The Lakers did a great job at the very start of free agency when they landed LeBron James on a four-year deal that all but assures them they will be a playoff contender for the duration.
However, with a young, talented-but-raw roster around LeBron, many wondered what the Lakers would do with the rest of their cap space this summer after missing out on Paul George. The answer has been the most bizarre array of one-year signings the league has ever seen, as the Lakers are clearly content to punt on trying to add major talent this summer in the name of having significant cap space next summer, likely focused on a Kawhi Leonard signing.
It started with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope running it back for another year in L.A., but then it became a parade of Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, and, most recently, Rajon Rondo. The latter of whom is coming in with the full intent on trying to become the starting point guard over Lonzo Ball. As numerous reporters pointed out after the signing, Rondo has been told it’s an open competition for the spot and the “best man plays.”
Regarding Rondo and the Lakers, source says they told him that with LeBron here they’re trying to win now. Best man wins the job.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
Rondo is coming to training camp with plans to compete for a starting job, source told @YahooSportsNBA.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 2, 2018
Rajon Rondo has no assurances that he'll start over Lonzo Ball, but it's entirely possible: "Best man plays," I'm told.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 2, 2018
As for Lonzo, last year’s No. 2 pick is apparently ready to compete for his job.
Rondo has been told it'll be an open competition at starting point guard. One source close to Lonzo Ball tells me: "Zo's not running from the competition."
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 2, 2018
Wonder what Rondo signing means for Lonzo Ball? A source close to Ball said, "Zo’s ready to compete. Plain and simple."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) July 2, 2018
That is the right thing to say, but we are now set up for an absolutely fascinating offseason and training camp in Los Angeles. It’s important to note that while Rondo played well in New Orleans last year, Ball should absolutely win the starting job this summer, but it’s definitely not being assured by the team.
The Lakers wanting to focus on free agency in 2019 is understandable given the players currently available and who could be on the market next summer. However, the players they’ve chosen to fill out the roster are head-scratchers to say the least, but it will be highly entertaining to watch on and off the court.
