In one of the most unlikely scenarios, Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo are now teammates. The two point-guards have had issues with each other over the last few seasons, especially after the 2020 Orlando Bubble.
During the 2020 playoffs, the Lakers faced the Houston Rockets in the second round of the Western Conference bracket. In one of the games, Russell Westbrook seemingly confronted Rondo’s brother.
Rondo’s brother was in attendance for the game. And he apparently had words for Westbrook, which the former MVP did not appreciate. Westbrook was visibly upset and tried to confront him about those comments.
Security asked Rajon Rondo’s brother to leave the stands after he exchanged words with Russell Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/5jG1hkInN6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 13, 2020
Luckily, any kind of physical altercation was prevented. But since then, there had been issues between the two players. Last season, Rondo and Westbrook both addressed the situation, with neither seemingly ready to forgive the other for what happened.
Given the tumultuous personalities of both players, and the fact that family was involved in their conflict, any kind of resolution between the two seemed unlikely. But now that Rondo is part of the Los Angeles Lakers, they will be interacting more.
Both Rondo and Westbrook are point guards, and Rondo will be trusted with running the offense when Westbrook goes to the bench. So them having a strong relationship will be essential for the Lakers.
And it appears that they have resolved their issues. According to NBA insider Michael Corvo, Rondo and Westbrook have resolved their beef.
He revealed that Rondo said he was looking forward to playing with Westbrook and putting their issues behind them.
Rondo is looking forward to playing with Russ, saying he's "had a lot of great battles with a lot of these guys… I'm looking forward to putting everything in the past … for the greater good of the team."
Sounds like any lingering beef is squashedhttps://t.co/DN3qKDdSQ9
— michael corvo (@michaelcorvo_) August 31, 2021
“(I) had a lot of great battles with a lot of these guys… I’m looking forward to putting everything in the past… for the greater good of the team.”
Rondo becomes the latest addition for the Lakers, as they try to get back to championship contention next season. Given how important Rondo was to their 2020 NBA championship win, the Lakers will hope he can replicate that form.
