Rondo not worried about starting, wants to help Lonzo develop
Rajon Rondo didn't come to Los Angeles to create a controversy.
The 32-year-old veteran dismissed rumors that he intends to push sophomore Lonzo Ball for the starting spot at point guard, as he joined the Lakers with the intention of claiming his second championship ring.
“They have plans, obviously, me being here,” Rondo told Bill Oram of The Athletic. “Along with other guys they’ve (brought) in, along with this great young core that we have. So, I’m not so much caught up in the starting and things like that. I’m just caught up in winning the championship."
As far as competing for minutes, Rondo is more focused on mentoring Ball than anything else. Rondo's prickly reputation is somewhat outdated, as he served as a veteran voice for younger players in Chicago and New Orleans, and hopes to take a similar leadership position with Ball.
“I’m excited to get a player that age and try to help him as much as I can,” Rondo said of Ball. “As far as understanding the game and getting his game up to speed as far as at a high level. Especially with the amount of pressure now that the organization has on him."
Rondo averaged 8.3 points, 8.2 assists, and four rebounds as a consistent starter for the Pelicans last season.