Rajon Rondo: “I’m just caught up in winning the championship”

Before Rajon Rondo makes his way out west to join LeBron James in Hollywood, he has been spotted tuning up his game in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Recently, pictures were posted of Rondo and others working out with FOCUS Basketball Academy. Former University of Louisville stand-outs Peyton Siva and Quentin Snider also participated in the summer training session with Rondo, along with former Moore High School star, Jazzmar Ferguson.

Frankie Vision (@FrankieVision) was present at these workouts and here is exactly what he told me about Rajon Rondo’s work ethic.

“From what I’ve seen since he’s been here he’s worked out everyday at starting out around 530 ( lifting ) then basketball workouts at 7am then again at night. He never takes a break during the workouts. He’s in incredible shape and has energy like I never seen”

Prior to attending UK, Rondo grew up in Louisville and attended Eastern High School before transferring and completing his senior season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He has been known to spend some of his off time back in the bluegrass and is specifically praised for his community involvement in the Louisville area.

Each summer, Rondo facilitates a kids basketball camp in June where other local players help out teaching the fundamentals.

Clearly, Rondo is not interested in taking the summer off as he prepares to join the Los Angeles Lakers in an attempt to win his second NBA title.

A four-time NBA All-Star, Rondo will be entering his 13th NBA season after signing a one, year $9 million dollar with the Los Angeles Lakers. There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not Rondo’s personality can align with that of LeBron James.

Over the years, Rondo has developed somewhat of a reputation for being difficult to deal with in the locker room. It is understandable that some concerns are being raised when you add into the equation that Rondo is moving to Hollywood with the strong personalities of LaVar Ball and LeBron James.

Overall, I believe that Rondo values winning over anything else, and that mentality will shine through once the season begins. His basketball IQ is well documented and should blend well with LeBron James.

In a recent interview with Bill Oram of The Athletic, here is what Rondo had to say about possibly playing behind Lonzo Ball and coming off the bench.

“They have plans, obviously, me being here. Along with other guys they’ve (brought) in, along with this great young core that we have. So, I’m not so much caught up in the starting and things like that. I’m just caught up in winning the championship.” Rondo said.

Rondo only averaged 26 minutes per game last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, his lowest minute per game total since his rookie year in 2007 when he played only 23 mpg. That being said, I think he is comfortable enough with his task as a veteran role player. His experience will be a very valuable asset as the Lakers try to integrate young talent with the world’s best player.

This upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers will be very important to his overall professional legacy.