3) Free agents for Karnisovas, Chicago Bulls to look beyond: Rajon Rondo
Not to say that the former Bulls veteran point guard and the Los Angeles Laker Rajon Rondo is going to command one of the highest price tags in this cycle of free agency, but this team should still avoid going after him. The chances that the Karnisovas and the Bulls were going after Rondo seemed pretty slim as is, but it is worth noting he should land with a true contender heading into next season.
The 6-foot-1 and 180 pound 34-year-old Rondo got his second career NBA Championship with the Lakers in the bubble at Disney World to round out last season He’s also a four-time All-Star selection, three-time assists champ, 2011-12 All-NBA Team selection, one-time steals champ, four-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a member of the 2006-07 All-Rookie First-Team.
During the shortened 2019-20 regular season, Rondo played in 48 games with the Lakers (starting in just three of them). He averaged 7.1 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 0.8 steals. And Rondo shot 41.8 percent from the field, 32.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 65.9 percent from the free-throw line.
Rondo was also solid for the Lakers during their title run. He averaged 8.9 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks, during the Lakers playoff run to prominence this year.
Just like Drummond, Rondo does have a player option that he could pickup this offseason. But who knows if he wants to stick around to play with the Lakers much longer, or cash out while his stock is high and at least get another solid pay day.