The Lakers were criticized for not getting enough in return for their former superstar, but they managed to add a young core of players and maintain cap flexibility. The Celtics got the best player involved in this deal, which is fair considering Rondo was the one who wanted out when it came time to sign an extension.
The “lakers roster” is the team that just recently traded for Rajon Rondo and he was a part of their starting lineup. However, it seems like they have made the right move in trading him because his departure is further proof that they got at least 1 move right.
The Los Angeles Lakers made their first trade of the 2021-22 season as a 17-19 club looking for solutions. In the process, the Lakers transferred veteran Rajon Rondo to the Cleveland Cavaliers, freeing up a much-needed roster space. However, don’t hold your breath for the Purple and Gold to utilize that location as an outside choice. That’s because Stanley Johnson is in line to get it, giving general manager Rob Pelinka something to work with.
Rajon Rondo was released by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers brought Rondo back for a second term for a purpose. The 35-year-old is seen as a leader with championship experience, having won championships with both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. However, as the season progressed, the 16-year veteran was used less and less, featuring in just 18 games overall.
The Lakers’ intentions to transfer Rondo to the Cavaliers were confirmed late Thursday, according to reports. The Cavs, who are 20-15, are one of the most surprising teams in basketball, but they are in serious need of a point guard after Ricky Rubio’s season-ending ACL injury. Cleveland will send Denzel Valentine, a former first-round selection, to the Lakers in exchange for Rondo.
When the transaction is consummated, Valentine, who signed a two-year contract with Cleveland in September, is anticipated to be released. That would, of course, free up a roster place for LA, but the player likely to fill it is currently in purple and gold.
The Lakers made a good choice in signing Stanley Johnson.
Rajon Rondo for Stanley Johnson (if that’s who gets the roster space) is how Lakers supporters should interpret the Rondo deal. The Lakers will miss Rondo’s superb basketball mind, but they need Johnson’s skill set and fire on the wing.
December 31, 2021 — Trevor Lane (@Trevor Lane)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster decisions over the last several months have gotten a lot of flak. While the Russell Westbrook trade has gotten a lot of flak, veteran minimum contracts for DeAndre Jordan and Kent Bazemore haven’t gone as planned. Even 10-day contracts for athletes like Isaiah Thomas have failed to provide long-term results.
The Lakers signed veterans Darren Collision and Stanley Johnson to 10-day contracts on December 24. While Collision has been relatively quiet, Johnson has rapidly demonstrated his value.
Johnson is averaging 7.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in three games. However, his worth is measured in ways that aren’t always measurable on a spreadsheet. Defense and effort, to be specific.
Johnson, who stands 6-foot-6, is big enough to defend many spots. The Lakers now lack a versatile defender who can take on opposing players on the wing or in the paint. In addition, his zeal and dedication can be seen in everything he owns. While it may not seem to be much, LA has had far too many poor performances in its first 36 games.
Johnson, a first-round selection of the Detroit Pistons in 2015, got his first career start on Tuesday at the 4 with LeBron James getting his first career start at center. It’s not unreasonable to expect more starts from the Southern California native in the future.
The Lakers might yet make more moves.
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Nothing is official yet, but Johnson, a seven-year veteran who is already playing for his fourth club, is widely expected to take Rondo’s position on the roster. However, given the difficult campaign in Los Angeles, additional changes are likely in the coming weeks.
On December 15, a large portion of their roster became tradeable. Jordan and Bazemore, as well as Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, and Wayne Ellington, are among the newcomers that may be included in any deal. The Lakers may move Malik Monk or even Talen Horton-Tucker, who is trade-eligible on January 15, if they choose to get rid of younger players. They could even consider a stunning Russell Westbrook deal.
Johnson fills a defensive and offensive depth requirement. The Lakers, on the other hand, need shooters and maybe a small-ball center. Los Angeles may employ their trade-eligible players to bolster their roster or clear places for a potential buyout candidate.
Johnson seems to be a part of the Lakers’ future, regardless of what the future holds for them.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract data.
The Lakers’ failed attempt to sign Ben Simmons demonstrates their dissatisfaction with Russell Westbrook.
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The “lakers news today 2021” is the departure of Rajon Rondo, who was traded to the Chicago Bulls. This move is further proof that the Lakers got at least 1 move right.
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