NBA Rumors: Cavaliers Working On Deal With Lakers For Veteran Guard

KEY POINTS

The Cavs could get a boost if they successfully acquire Rondo from the Lakers
Rondo could be of more use to the Cavs and provide leadership to their young players
The Rondo trade will open a roster spot for the skidding Lakers

The Cleveland Cavaliers need help fast after Ricky Rubio went down with a season-ending injury.

It appears they are after another veteran to take his place in the person of Rajon Rondo of the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to a source cited by ESPN, the Cavs are now in serious talks with the Lakers for the services of the two-time NBA Champion guard.

The report went on to add that an agreement could be finalized by Friday, December 31.

However, adding the four-time All-Star to the Cavs roster will need tweaks. That includes creating a roster spot for Rondo that may require them to waive a player and seal the deal by adding a second-round pick or cash.

Another option would be for the Cavs to include a minimum-contract player.

On the part of the Lakers, they do not have to take back any matching salary. This is because Rondo is a minimum contract player, meaning they could take back a non-guaranteed deal that they could waive.

If the trade is made official, it will also open up a roster spot for the Lakers.

The Cavs are in dire need of backcourt help after losing Rubio for the season.

The Spanish guard was having a fine season in Cleveland before tearing the ACL in his left knee in their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, December 28.

It is the same knee that the 31-year-old player suffered in his rookie year with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012.

Rubio stepped up after Collin Sexton was ruled out for the season due to a torn meniscus in his left knee that required surgery.

Before tragedy struck, the Cavs were allegedly contemplating giving Rubio a multi-year contract extension for his heads-up play.

But all that may have been scorned with the latest setback.

Rondo would be a sensible choice, someone who can help facilitate in place.

In addition, he is a proven leader and could help the Cavs sustain their surprising run this season.

The Cavaliers are running fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 20-15 win-loss mark, and adding Rondo could help the wards of head coach JB Bickerstaff continue that stellar run.