Rajon Rondo To Return To Lakers Following Grizzlies Buyout

Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo has agreed to a contract buyout with the Grizzlies and intends to sign with the Lakers after clearing waivers, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Rondo was part of the trade that sent guard Eric Bledsoe from the Grizzlies to the Clippers earlier this summer. Clippers guard Patrick Beverley was also involved in that trade, but has since been dealt to the Timberwolves.

Rondo, 35, is 6-foot-1 and will be returning to the Lakers after being a key component to their 2020 championship team. He has since also played for the Hawks, but was sent to the Clippers in March as part of a trade for guard Lou Williams.

Rondo appeared in 45 games total last season, compiling averages of 5.4 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds. He also played in 13 playoff games.

“While the Lakers did an impressive job filling out their roster following the trade for Russell Westbrook, the backup point guard spot was one notable hole,” wrote Eli Cohen of Hoops Rumors.

“Rondo was unable to replicate his success with the Lakers in this year’s playoffs run with the Clippers, but should provide a solid, competent playmaker off the bench, especially as young guards Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn are both more likely to see time at the shooting guard spot, if at all.”