Rondo 'absolutely' interested in re-signing with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers' playoff hopes were shattered last week as their season has continually spiraled out of control since December.
However, point guard Rajon Rondo was still optimistic about their future, suggesting he'd happily re-sign with the franchise next season if offered a deal.
"Absolutely," Rondo said after finishing with 17 assists and five steals in the Lakers' 129-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Absolutely. I mean, the only way we can go from here is up.
"So, I don't know what the future holds as far as the summer - if I come back, or who else comes back or if I don't come back. Those things are out of my control. But at the same time, it's a great organization. I can't say enough about the staff and the people who work here. They're really kind and helpful, so I want to continue, if I can, help this organization grow."
Rondo signed a one-year, $9-million deal with the Lakers in the summer as the franchise handed out multiple single-season contracts to remain flexible for 2019 with the hope of pairing LeBron James with a second superstar.
Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, his season has been marred by injury and controversy as he missed 34 games after undergoing two separate hand procedures as well as sitting three games with an early-season suspension.
But Rondo's leadership during a difficult season has been valued by the organization, receiving high praise from LeBron.
"The youth look up to us, look at us as superheroes at times, so to be able to have that fun and that joy we hope it goes back to those guys and to the kids that look up to us," James said of the Lakers' veterans. "Rondo, his energy and him just having fun and being the leader that he is (is invaluable)."
Rondo is averaging 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.9 assists through 42 appearances in his first season in L.A.