The Los Angeles Lakers are welcoming Rajon Rondo back with open arms.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the veteran point guard is expected to sign a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Lakers on Tuesday. The agreement brings his full salary back to his original value of $7.5 million after agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rondo is expected to sign the contract on Tuesday, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 30, 2021
Rondo spent the 2020-21 season with the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 44.2% from the field.
The Clippers traded the four-time All-Star to Memphis earlier this month. The Grizzlies later bought out his contract, making him a free agent.
Rondo was a member of the L.A. squad that won an NBA title in 2020. He averaged 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game in two seasons with the Lakers.
The Lakers have added several important pieces this offseason following a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Phoenix Suns last year, including Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza and Kent Bazemore.
The franchise also parted ways with players who failed to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, such as Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Rondo will be searching for his third NBA title this coming season. In addition to winning the 2020 championship with the Lakers, he also won with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
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