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NBA Legend Rajon Rondo Reveals if His Celtics or Lakers Championship Meant More to Him

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 1:46 PM ET

NBA legend Rajon Rondo was one of the purest point guards of the last generation. While many remember him for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he played a pivotal role in their 2008 NBA championship victory, Rondo also had a brief but impactful stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing significantly to their 2020 championship win in the bubble.

Over the course of his 16-year career, Rondo was a four-time All-Star, a four-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a three-time assist leader. He played for nine teams, with 12 of those seasons split between the Celtics (nine seasons) and the Lakers (three seasons). Rondo averaged 7.9 assists per game throughout his career and, while not a prolific scorer, his high basketball IQ and leadership on the court were key to the success of both teams he won championships with.

However, Rondo has a clear perspective on both of his championship rings. During an appearance on the "Run it Back" show, Rondo revealed that his Lakers championship meant more to him than his 2008 title with the Celtics, citing the emotional experience of winning in the bubble with his son.

"It was more from a sentimental point of view, and something I remember more with my kids," Rondo shared. "At a young age, I thought that was going to be my norm, but I took it for granted. It took me 12 more years to win another one, and I appreciated it ten times more. Being able to share that experience with my son made it even more special. But obviously, the Celtics got me to where I am today."

Rajon Rondo says his championship with the Lakers meant more to him than his championship with the Celtics

(Via @RunItBackFDTV )

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Rondo recently called it a career and has transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of "guest coach" with the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Doc Rivers. This opportunity allows him to stay involved in the game he loves while passing on the valuable knowledge he's gained throughout his illustrious playing career.

After facing off against the great LeBron James for years, Rondo eventually teamed up with him, leaving a lasting impression as a teammate. James has since praised Rondo as one of the best and smartest players he's ever played with.

"One of the best players I ever played with. Obviously his IQ is out of this world. I was very lucky to get to team up with him at that point when I was here in L.A. Obviously him coming to L.A. and joining the Lakers, I was ecstatic about that. I knew what we could accomplish together." James said.

"‘[Rajon] always talked about how if he ever teamed up with me, he knew we could win a championship and we did that. Being a fierce competitor throughout my career when he was in Boston, obviously our battles that we had when I was in Cleveland and going to Miami, so he got everything out of his career and more. Two-time champion, multiple All-Stars, I think a couple years he maybe led the league in assists or was up there. Just a spectacular player.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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