With an 0-5 record to start the season, the Los Angeles Lakers appear headed for another lottery pick in the upcoming draft. As some fans already begin to look toward next season, one potential soon-to-be free agent reportedly makes a lot of sense for the Lakers: Rajon Rondo.
Rondo can become an unrestricted free agent in July, and he's fully expected to test the market that eagerly awaits him. The Lakers - along with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks - are expected to pursue Rondo as a free agent. For the Los Angeles, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated believes it makes a lot of sense.
Per Mannix:
"There is one player who makes sense in LA next season: Rajon Rondo. Several rival executives believe the Lakers will make a strong run at Rondo next summer, and it's easy to see why. Rondo is young (28), plays a critical position and shares the same win-at-all-bleeping-cost attitude as Bryant. The Celtics are rebuilding and have a young playmaker in Marcus Smart, which may limit their desire to hand Rondo max money."
Los Angeles will have a large chunk of salary cap space to sign Rondo to a max offer, if discussions between the two sides get that far.
Rondo has been the subject of trade rumors for years. While a trade could still happen this season, teams are wary of handing over a number of assets to Boston for a player who could choose to leave in free agency. If a trade were to happen before the February deadline, the Sacramento Kings appear to be the most likely destination for Rondo.
For his part, Rondo continues to improve his value as he comes off his ACL tear two seasons ago. Through the first four games of the season, Rondo is averaging 9.3 points, 12.5 assists and 9.0 rebounds per game.
