After two wins to start the series, the Los Angeles Lakers conceded a game to the Denver Nuggets tonight. They played poorly, but Rajon Rondo was one of the few bright spots in the game.

With his eight assists, he crossed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to climb to number 9 on the all-time playoff assists ladder.

Rondo didn’t have the best start to the game, but later he tried hard to get the game back to level terms. The Lakers came close on multiple occasions, but the Nuggets never lost the lead.

Rondo’s impact on the Lakers

Rondo directly entered the playoffs during the Conference Semifinals. He had not played a single game in the bubble previously, since getting injured before their first seeding game in Orlando.

His entry meant that the second unit also had a capable leader and a playmaker. Previously, Alex Caruso was the point guard. But he plays better off-ball and isn’t the best playmaker. So Rondo’s arrival boosted the team, and he contributed to crucial wins for the Lakers.

Currently, he is averaging nine points, 7.6 assists and two steals per game in the Playoffs. He isn’t the best three-point shooter but is still averaging 41.7% from deep at the moment.

He has been in the league since 2006 and has been of the sharpest players. His eye for a pass, his hustle, and his leadership has been highlighted on every team he has been a part of. This is why the Lakers wanted him. After signing LeBron James, they wanted capable veterans to surround him and Rondo was one of the first names. Previously rivals in the East, they have now teamed up to get a ring.

Despite being 34, he is still one of the better point guards in the league and the Lakers are lucky to have Playoff Rondo for the postseason.