Former Laker Champion Discusses Mindset With LeBron James Ahead Of 2020 Finals
Oftentimes, basketball is looked at as a matchup between players or between the minds behind such a game plan in the coaching staffs, but some players simply see the game differently.
One of these players was former All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, who detailed his mentality with the 2020 NBA playoffs in the Orlando bubble while with your Los Angeles Lakers on a new episode of JJ Redick's Old Man and the Three podcast.
It's no secret that Rondo has always been one of the top basketball minds of his generation as the crafty point guard has brought veteran leadership no matter where he's went since his All-NBA days in Boston.
Though hampered by an ACL injury in the back end of his Celtics tenure, Rondo revitalized his career with the Bulls in 2017 after stints with the Mavericks and Kings.
Always a gritty defender and gifted passer, Rondo's mindset to aim at coaches likely helped him get ahead of many of his playoff opponents.
Similar to LeBron James' own tendencies to call out plays from his opposing coaches, Rondo's pension to receive the game plan before the roster he's facing does has had it's clear advantages.
As an 8 seed, Rondo's Bulls took the first two games from Brad Stevens' Celtics in 2017 and in 2018 Rondo's Pelicans swept aside Damian Lillard and the Blazers in the first round of those playoffs.
Joining the Lakers in 2018, Rondo's Laker tenure involved more of such tough veteran leadership, gritty defense and the wit to get ahead much like LeBron making such a conclusion no surprise.
Ending the bubble run with a second championship ring on his mantle, Rondo's efforts were more than rewarded and his expertise on the court showed why in a champagne shower.
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