The Sacramento Kings are reportedly on the verge of losing a veteran NBA player. Rajon Rondo, who just signed with the DeMarcus Cousins team following a disappointing stint with the Dallas Mavericks, is speculated to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. This news now puts a dent on the rumors that Carmelo Anthony has been gaining steam in his campaign to get Rondo into the New York Knicks roster by the NBA offseason. If these rumors are to be believed, it looks like Kobe Bryant made a better impression with the ex Boston Celtics star.
The NBA trade rumor mill recently released a bombshell that could be a gamechanger next season. Rondo, who was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in the hopes of serving as Cousins' mentor, is reportedly planning to exit the team soon. With the Rudy Gay team failing to meet his expectations, along with some locker room drama involving George Karl, the point guard is speculated to be looking into other NBA teams to sign with next offseason.
Up until recently, the New York Knicks have been the frontrunners in terms of the potential landing spots if he exits the Sacramento Kings, according to a previous Gospel Herald report. However, it looks like the Black Mamba is also making his sales pitch to Rondo - one that rivals Anthony's offers. Moreover, Bryant is reportedly using his friendship with the point guard to lure him into playing for the Los Angeles Lakers next season. If Rondo's comments are to be used as proof, then the Russell D'Angelo squad might just have a veteran presence to replace Bryant soon.
"I don't have a lot of friends," shared Rondo of his public meetups with Bryant. He added, "I'm just friends with a lot of a--h---s: Kobe, DeMarcus [Cousins], Josh Smith, Big Baby [Glen Davis]. We're the same kind. What I love about all of us is we're competitors on and off the court. Hate to lose. I'm not going to say there's not many competitors in this game, but there's a certain kind of way you compete at that level and you have respect for one another."
Rondo also fondly recalled that he and Bryant had been fierce competitors throughout the years. During his stint as the main man of the Boston Celtics, he and the Black Mamba engaged in vicious trash talk and aggressive game plays in the hardwood court. However, Rondo dismissed the idea of any personal issues between them. According to the Sacramento Kings star, he has nothing but respect and admiration for Bryant.
He explained, "That's basketball. That's not old basketball, because they got to fight without any fines. But you're not friends on the court when you're out there competing trying to dominate from time to time. It might get ugly from time to time. At the end of the day you shake hands, maybe, and you have a certain respect."
Meanwhile, some fans feel that Rondo might still choose to sign with the Kristaps Porzingis squad if he decides to leave the Sacramento Kings. While he had been vocal with his opinions on the triangle offense of the New York Knicks, it looks like he is dropping hints leading to the possibility of playing with Anthony soon. In fact, Rondo went as far as saying that he could definitely learn the triangle offense if he puts his mind to it.
"I think it's effective. I think it's great for team chemistry," commented Rondo of the triangle offense. He added, "Then when the ball gets moving, everyone touches the ball and you get a feel for it. The great Tommy Heinsohn (Celtics player, coach and broadcaster) told me that. When guys are getting the ball they play better defense. It's hard to run up and down the court three, four possessions and you don't touch the ball in some offense, to have the same energy defensively. The triangle, I think, energizes the offensive end of the floor but also the defensive end of the floor as well."
He later hinted, "I'm not saying I couldn't master (the triangle). I think I can put my mind to it, break down a lot of film if that was the case to be." To further tease the fans, Rondo answered coyly when asked about the possibility for him to move to New York soon. He shared, "Anything is possible, in the words of KG."
