Earlier in December 31, Los Angeles local time, the Los Angeles Lakers finalized a deal for Rondo with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a day of discussion between the two teams, Cleveland eventually switched to veteran Rondo with three-point shooter Valentine as a bargaining chip. Since both players are under base salary this season, there will be no problem with the match in this deal. After Rubio's injury season reimbursement, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost two point guards, clearly needed to bring in a point guard with a certain amount of immediate combat power to fill the lineup, and Rondo became their ideal target. On the one hand, Rondo still has a certain strength, and on the other hand, the veteran's role as a locker room mentor helps the Cavaliers, which are composed of young people, grow and improve. It is reported that getting more playing time on the Cavaliers is the main reason why Rondo is eager to trade.
The Lakers, who have suffered five consecutive defeats in recent games and have won and lost six in the last seven games, have fallen into the embarrassing situation of having to adjust the lineup. Fortunately, the league's difficult special rules have given the Purple and Gold Legion a chance to test their troops, and Stanley Johnson is their biggest gain. However, according to the regulations, a player can sign a team for up to two ten-day hardship exceptions, beyond which a formal contract must be signed. After Stanley Johnson played back-to-back brilliant performances, making room for a lineup space for the new signing was clearly the lakers' first step in change this season. It is reported that the Lakers will cut Valentin after trading Rondo and reach a formal contract with Stanley Johnson for a basic salary.
The main reason the Lakers are willing to let Rondo leave the team is that the team's guard line is well stocked, in addition to the recent return of Munch, Bradley and Rivers, the newly signed Collison has also shown stronger immediate combat. After the introduction of Westbrook this season, the Lakers, who already have two ball-holding cores, no longer need Rondo's type of point guard. According to the latest reports of the US media, Ariza is about to lift the ban and comeback. At that time, the Lakers will have five wings of James, Ariza, Anthony, Johnson and Bazemore, and the flanker shortage some time ago has been completely resolved. After the success of James' experiment to play center, the Lakers are likely to use the small lineup until the end of the season, and the operation of abandoning the guard to supplement the front line can minimize the burden on James.
With Anthony Davis still weeks to go through a review, the Lakers will welcome Davis back by the end of January if all goes well. At that time, Nunn, who has not played since signing, will almost return from injury, and the Lakers will usher in the first real full-time appearance of the season. After trading Rondo, the Lakers did not need to cut Jordan Jr. to sign Stanley Johnson. They can continue to use Jordan Jr. in the absence of people on the inside, and wait until Davis returns before cutting Jordan Jr. to supplement other players. It can be said that although the deal between the Lakers and Cleveland is a basic salary swap, it has truly achieved a win-win situation. Fans and friends think that the Lakers' operation is not a good move? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!