KEY POINTS

  • Rajon Rondo is ready to fill in a huge backcourt hole with the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Rondo is expected to facilitate plays to sustain the Cavs' surprising NBA run
  • The Los Angeles Lakers will open a roster spot to aid their struggling campaign

Rajon Rondo will formally take a bigger role after the veteran guard was shipped to the Cleveland Cavaliers by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers sent the two-time champion to the Cavaliers, acquiring Denzel Valentine in exchange according to ESPN.

However, Valentine is expected to be waived to open a roster spot in Los Angeles.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Rondo is eager to take on a bigger role and has been upbeat about the deal which was presented as an option to the veteran guard on Thursday, December 30.

For Rondo, the 35-year-old guard is reportedly eager to take on his new role in Cleveland.

The Cavs, who currently tote a 20-16 win-loss card, are sitting at the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference.

With the Lakers, the four-time All-Star guard was hardly a factor and had career lows.

He saw action for just about 16 minutes per game and had a measly production of 3.1 points and 3.7 assists.

With the Lakers, Rondo was more like a locker-room presence, someone who could act as a voice to the souped-up squad.

But now, he gets the chance to show everyone that even at 35, he can still play at the elite NBA level.

The Cavs’ ongoing campaign has stunned many, especially those who never saw them performing this well.

But to sustain that run, they need to make sure that they have a tested point guard to lead the cause.

Acquiring Rondo was a necessity after two of the Cavs' regular guards were taken down by injuries and out of the season.

First to be taken out was Collin Sexton (torn meniscus), whose spot was taken over by Ricky Rubio.

The Spanish guard took on the challenge and was a revelation for head coach JB Bickerstaff.

Unfortunately, Rubio's season was cut short after tearing the ACL in his left knee in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

As for the Lakers, it will be interesting who they may pick up to fill the void once they officially waive Valentine.

Los Angeles has been struggling, and the need to take in a player who can help their campaign could help resolve that issue.

Rajon Rondo and Carmelo Anthony of the Los Angeles Lakers
Rajon Rondo and Carmelo Anthony of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Elsa
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