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Rajon Rondo Retirement Hits LeBron James With Nostalgia, Recounting Ex-Rival’s Undying Faith

Published 04/02/2024, 10:29 PM EDT

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Rajon Rondo has officially called it a day on his NBA career. It’s been two years since he last played in the league and one of his last teammates still held hopes for his return. Now that Rondo is focusing on his family, it’s time to laud a stacked 16-year career. LeBron James, who won a championship with him in 2020, had heartfelt words upon Rondo’s retirement.

“One of the best players I ever played with. Obviously, his IQ was out of this world and you know, I was very lucky to get to team up with him,” he said in a post-game presser. “When I was in LA and him coming to the Lakers, it was exciting that I knew what we could accomplish together.‘Do always talked about if he ever teamed up with me, he knew we could win a championship. And we did that.”

During his recent appearance on All The Smoke, Matt Barnes asked if the NBA has seen the last of him. “Yeah, I’m done. I can’t. I’d rather spend time with my kids,” Rondo responded.

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The NBA journeyman last played with the Lakers and Cavaliers in 2022. He was the breakout star of the Boston Celtics when he competed against Cavs’ James. Before they were teammates, he gave James a hard time in playoffs and Bron describes his friend as a “fierce competitor” who got everything out of his career and more. It didn’t stop James from pitching Rondo to go for more.

LeBron James wants Coach Rajon Rondo

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James has been campaigning for Rondo to return as a coach in the NBA. But he also joked that the bratty players of the league will discourage him. His friend though is open to coaching under certain conditions.

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He first wants Bron to bring an expansion team to Las Vegas. He’d join the staff of this new team and he’ll bring in DeMarcus Cousins to be the scary enforcer who keeps the youngsters in line. Boogie made his own conditions known to take the job, including wanting complete autonomy and the option to steal Rondo’s head coach position. Since James is a while away from realizing his team ownership dreams, Rondo is content staying where he is and spending time with his family.

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For now Rondo can bask in his hard-earned legacy alongside after his friend has elevated his stacked career. And what a career it was!

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Written by:

Caroline John

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Caroline John is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She holds a Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from a reputed university. With 8 years of experience in content writing and after judiciously covering the life of Shaquille O’Neal, she even earned an exclusive interview with the CEO of Shaq’s Big Chicken franchise, Josh Halpern.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra