How will Los Angeles Lakers Cope if Rajon Rondo Leaves?

Rajon Rondo has proven his value to the LA Lakers in their 2020 NBA Championship run. The ‘LakeShow’ were looking for a third complementary star to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Rondo’s resurgence came at the right time, and he helped James and Davis carry the load.

A player of Rondo’s intelligence is hard to find. This is why the LA Lakers will be concerned that he is looking to enter free agency. Emerging reports have suggested that Rondo will decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. This most likely is a move to earn more money, as Rondo’s value is higher than it has been for years.

The Lakers could re-sign Rondo, offering him the pay-raise that he is looking for. But with salary-cap complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that is easier said than done. Should Rondo be lured away to another team with more money, here is how the LA Lakers could cope with the loss.

#1 – Complete Derrick Rose trade

The Derrick Rose to the Lakers trade almost went through before the trade deadline last year. Rose saw a career resurgence at Detroit last season, averaging about 18 points a game and 5 assists. Rose, a celebrated point guard, and former league-MVP, could plug the huge hole that Rondo’s departure would leave.He could improve the Laker’s offensively when LeBron James is off the court. While he may not be what he used to be, Derrick Rose can still contribute to a championship team on a high level.

#2 – Playing Kyle Kuzma at Small Forward

Kyle Kuzma’s progression deteriorated this season with the arrival of Anthony Davis. With AD playing Power Forward, Kuzma’s minutes on the team reduced. Kuzma’s averages dropped this season from 18 points-per-game last season to 12 points-per-game this season.

Moving Kuzma to Small Forward, with LeBron James playing at the point would allow Kuzma to be set up by James in the best positions. His performances could be improved, and with James playing as a nominal point guard would allow Kuzma to return to his best.

#3 – Build a younger core

One of the concerns surrounding the Lakers this season was that their core group of players was quite old. LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and Javale McGee are seasoned veterans. With the exception of James, the veterans cannot play at their highest level anymore.

It’s time the Lakers start looking to bring in younger players who can sit under the learning tree of these veterans and can help lead the team in the future. Players like Alex Caruso and Kyle Kuzma cannot be the only young stars in the team, the Lakers need a rejuvenated youth core in order to stay on top.

Rondo is valuable, but not irreplaceable to the LA Lakers

Rajon Rondo is looking for more money, and if the Lakers can afford him, they should bring him back. But losing Rondo would not be the end of the Lakers. They can recover from his loss, but only if they make the right moves to compensate for it.

Should the Lakers pay up for Rondo? Who should they bring in if Rondo decides to leave?