According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Lakers signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal on Tuesday. However, this apparently is not stopping the Lakers from wanting to sign Rajon Rondo to a deal as well. Both guards met with the Lakers on Tuesday.
Lakers can use mid-level exception
The Lakers can sign Rondo to a $4.3 million deal by using their mid-level exception. According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, there is interest on both sides. Rondo likes the idea of playing with Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Team president Magic Johnson has made public comments saying that Ball is the face of the franchise.
That would mean that Rondo would be a backup to Ball. However, Rondo has a strong reputation as a player that is loved by younger players.
The deal for Caldwell-Pope was for $18 million. The Lakers had just $17 million in cap space, so some minor moves from the Lakers might be coming soon. They would have to create more cap room to sign Rondo.
The Lakers have been somewhat quiet this offseason before the deal. The Lakers made a deal for Brook Lopez by dealing D'Angelo Russell with the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers tried to trade for Paul George by dealing Julius Randle, but the Pacers declined, as they eventually traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Knicks still a contender for Rondo
The New York Knicks can offer Rondo a salary that doubles what the Lakers can offer.
It would give Rondo a chance to play with maybe Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks have only made a deal for Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason, and would like to have Rondo on the team in a similar role. The Knicks recently drafted Frank Ntilikina. He is the future of the Knicks as the point guard, so Rondo would have to take a backup role for them as well.
Likely destination
Rondo is going to be on a rebuilding team no matter where he goes. However, the Lakers have a more promising future. The deal with Caldwell-Pope helps the Lakers in their attempt to make a run at premiere free agents in 2018. The team features some young, promising players. Rondo would be a perfect mentor for Ball.
Rondo led the league in assists two seasons ago when he was with the Sacramento Kings. Ball has been praised for his abilities in terms of passing.
The Knicks do not have a president still. There is drama in terms of where Anthony will be traded, and Kristaps Porzingis doesn't seem like he wants to be with the Knicks anymore.
