It's not a secret that Rajon Rondo has a strong character. If anything, that's one of the things that have helped him stand out in the NBA. His leadership and personality, for better or worse, make him a unique point guard, and the Lakers know that.
Rondo was a floor general and played a big factor in the Lakers' championship run a couple of years ago. That's why they didn't hesitate to bring him back after completing his buyout with the Grizzlies.
Nonetheless, there were some concerns about adding Rondo to a locker room that already featured Russell Westbrook, another hardnosed competitor with whom he had a couple of rifts in the past.
Rajon Rondo Says He Has No Beef With Russell Westbrook
Luckily for the Lakers and the fans, it seems like that's all water under the bridge now. Rondo said he's looking forward to teaming up with him and put the past in the past for the sake of the team:
“Carmelo,” Rondo said, when asked who he’s excited to play with in Los Angeles. “Obviously, Russ, Trev (Ariza). I look forward to talking to Trev, learning his mind, his focus … We’ve had a lot of great battles with a lot of these guys that’s now teammates. I’m looking forward to putting everything in the past and putting it together for the greater good of the team and winning a championship here.”
Rondo and Westbrook starred in a bit of an altercation last season, with the latter being ejected for shoving Rondo on a rebound after he called him 'Trash'. Clearly, they're both competitors and players say a lot of things in the heat of the moment. Now, they'll have to work together for a common goal.
