Rajon Rondo Reveals That He ‘Almost Cried’ As Lakers’ Fans Welcomed Him Back to Staples Center

NBA and Los Angeles Lakers star Rajon Rondo recently spoke about his emotional reaction after returning to the Lakers. On his return, Rondo received an emotional response from the Lakers fans. He played the first game of his second stint with the franchise in a pre-season opener on October 3rd.

Rajon Rondo in a conversation with TMZ revealed that emotion overcame him after he played the pre-season game. Rondo featured for the Los Angeles Lakers in a loss against the Brooklyn Nets.

Despite the loss, Rondo, on his part, managed to record three rebounds and one assist. Many Lakers superstars like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook did not play the game against the Nets. The Lakers fans, however, applauded Rondo welcoming him back to the Los Angeles-based franchise.

Rondo told TMZ, “I almost cried again last night. It means everything. I was away for a year…came back and the reception I got last night, I had to try to focus on the game. The love I got, the attention from the crowd getting back in the game. It was amazing.”

Rajon Rondo played the 2020-21 NBA season with the Atlanta Hawks and the Lakers rivals, Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies, who then subsequently waived him through a buyout.

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Therefore, Rondo will now spend the 2021-22 season with the Lakers after having signed a one-year deal with the franchise on August 31, 2021. Earlier, Rondo has won an NBA championship alongside LeBron James in the 2019-20 season.

The 35-year-old veteran point guard can be a tremendous asset for the Lakers besides their other superstars. He can provide greater security and also offer playmaking skills that make him a threat while attacking. Last season, he averaged 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game for the Hawks and Clippers.

How will Lakers perform this season?

The Los Angeles Lakers have stuck to their strategy of signing players that can fit around their superstars, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. This offseason included big moves for the Lakers as their front office furthered this strategy.

They notably signed longtime Lakers fan Russell Westbrook on a trade deal. Some other players the Lakers signed were Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, DeAndre Jordan, and Dwight Howard.

The Lakers have put together a really incredible squad. However, considering the average age of the roster, the Lakers will be lucky if they can remain fit throughout the challenges of a long grueling NBA season.

What do you think of the Laker’s chances this season? Let us know.

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