"This would feed families": Lakers fans erupt in excitement over Rajon Rondo's potential return to team as coaching staff

Rajon Rondo could be part of the LA Lakers as a member of the team’s coaching staff. Rondo retired following the 2021-22 season where he played alongside LeBron James in LA before closing out his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As one of the smartest players to ever suit up, most fans were convinced he would find his way back into the NBA in some capacity.

After Darvin Ham’s firing, speculations about who the Lakers would pick as replacement quickly became a popular guessing game. JJ Redick, a former player who now works as an analyst for ESPN, is rumored to have the inside track to the job. Redick and James co-host a podcast called “Mind the Game,” which only fueled talks about the inevitably of the hire.

Recently, the Los Angeles Times reported that former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego is scheduled to have an interview with the Lakers. Part of the story was the possibility of Rajon Rondo becoming an assistant coach regardless of who eventually gets to replace Ham.

Fans quickly reacted to a potential Rondo stint with the Lakers again:

“I need it. This would feed families.”

One fan proudly declared why Rob Pelinka is considering Rondo:

“I called it and willed it into reality!”

Another fan couldn’t agree more with LA’s plan:

“No question about it!”

@iB4NDO sees a different scenario that some Lakers fans are likely thinking about:

“So why isn’t he considered for the head coaching position but jj redick is? Lmao”

LeBron James has said on several occasions that one of the smartest players he ever played with was Rajon Rondo. Coming from perhaps the player with arguably the best basketball IQ, that is lavish praise for the former Boston Celtics star. Some of Rondo’s former teammates have also raved about his leadership, tenacity and communication skills so Laker Nation’s reactions are unsurprising.

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The Lakers new head coach will likely determine Rajon Rondo’s hiring

The new LA Lakers coach will have to bring in a new staff and build from scratch. Whether it is JJ Redick, James Borrego or Sam Cassell, they would unquestionably pick somebody who would share and execute their vision of a team. If Rajon Rondo can fit that bill, then he will be a great addition to the Lakers’ coaching staff.

If it is Redick who eventually lands the job, he will need a strong supporting cast considering his lack of experience as a coach. He may be one of the best analysts around but guiding a team to contend for a championship will require something more from him. Rondo’s reputation as a superb team player and locker-room guy could be a big asset.

In the next few weeks, Laker Nation will likely know who the team’s top play-caller will be. The fan base is desperately hoping it sees Rajon Rondo for another tour of duty with the team he last won a championship with.