LeBron James and Anthony Davis were back to their dominant selves in Sunday night’s impressive Game 2 performance to even their best-of-seven series against the Houston Rockets. But as LeBron and other Lakers noticed after the game, the Lakers were helped in a big way by the steady hand of Rajon Rondo.
Rondo hadn’t played in the bubble until Friday and he had some understandable moments of rust in Game 1. In Game 2, he looked as comfortable as he has all season for the Lakers. He had five steals and nine assists, while also playing a big role handling the ball in transition for the Lakers, letting LeBron get a break from full-time point guard duties. After the game, LeBron had nothing but good things to say about Rondo’s performance.
“I think he was just extremely aggressive, not only offensively, but defensively — taking the challenge on James [Harden], taking the challenge on whoever he was guarding. Just trying to lead,” said LeBron James, who had 28 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. “I mean, that’s what ‘Do is. He’s a leader. And for us to have him back in the postseason, it’s a key for our team.”
During LeBron’s last playoff run in 2018, whether it was due to injury or poor play, LeBron didn’t have a ton of help when it came to running the team. The combination of George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, and Rodney Hood simply didn’t play very well and have since found success in other situations. But if Rondo delivers the way he did in Game 2 consistently, playing strong defense, handling the ball, and taking care of it, James will have a luxury in the backcourt to go with his already luxurious frontcourt partner, Anthony Davis.
