George lauds Rondo's addition to Clips: 'I look at him as a leader'

After watching Rajon Rondo make his Los Angeles Clippers debut Sunday, Paul George is excited by what the veteran floor general can bring to the team.

In particular, George feels Rondo's presence will take some pressure off him and co-star Kawhi Leonard.

"I think we can reserve more energy," George said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

He added: "Rondo can get to the middle of the paint, he can make plays. And a lot of times, he's going to create closeout situations for us."

The Clippers acquired Rondo from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Lou Williams and two future second-round picks last month. Rondo recorded two points, three assists, and two steals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

On top of his on-court presence, George feels Rondo will also provide valuable leadership in the locker room.

"We're going to listen to him. I look at him as a leader, a leader of this group," George said.

He added: "He holds a lot of weight in the locker room. As he gets more comfortable within our system, getting games under his feet, he'll hold us accountable. That's what you need in the locker room, somebody that's going to say what needs to be said and get us going."

The Clippers are looking to bounce back this postseason after blowing a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals to the Denver Nuggets last year. Rondo, who helped the Lakers win a championship last season, says he hasn't yet figured out where his new team must improve, but he added that he's hoping to lead in "every way that's possible" to guide the club to its first-ever title.

The Clippers currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 33-18 record.