Lakers Rumors: Team Unwilling To Include Julius Randle In Rondo Deal

Julius Randle

Last week, the Boston Celtics traded long-time point guard Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. Numerous teams had contacted the Celtics in trying to acquire Rondo, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —

The two teams were unable to come to an agreement and according to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports, that was because the Lakers refused to part with rookie Julius Randle:

The Lakers and Celtics had mutual interest for a Rajon Rondo deal, but the Lakers weren’t willing to give up injured rookie Julius Randle, a source said.

The Lakers unwillingness to give up Randle in a deal for Rondo, who is an unrestricted free agent after this season, makes perfect sense. Though he will miss the rest of this season, the Lakers view Randle as a big part of their future.

If the Celtics refused to do the deal without Randle being included, it would explain why the Lakers did not make the trade. The team had reportedly offered the expiring contract of Steve Nash, the Houston Rockets’ first round draft pick and a second round draft pick. Adding Randle to that package would have been too much to surrender.

A player of Rondo’s talent will usually require a lot in order to bring him in. The Lakers were not willing to meet the Celtics’ demands and if those demands really did include Randle, the Lakers probably made the right choice.

[divide]

Lakers Practice: Byron Scott on Scaling Back Kobe’s Minutes


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: Celtics Not Expected To Sign Carmelo Anthony Before Training Camp Starts

Carmelo Anthony is still looking for a job despite a good individual performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22…

Kobe Bryant Says Steve Nash Missing Season ‘Not An Age Thing’

Back in the summer of 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off…

Lakers News: Jerry West Says Return To Organization ‘Was Not Meant To Be’

Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers have their sights set on Thursday and the 2017 NBA Draft…

Charles Barkley Picks Four Lakers For His ‘Mount Rushmore Of NBA Basketball’

Over the years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been represented by at least a few superstars that could make the case…