Lakers News: Alvin Gentry Disagrees With Notion Rajon Rondo Morphs Into ‘Playoff Rondo’
Rajon Rondo
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

After missing 17 games due to hand surgery, Rajon Rondo returned for the Los Angeles Lakers against his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans.

While Rondo only spent one season with the Pelicans, head coach Alvin Gentry and former teammates have nothing but high praise for him. Throughout Rondo’s 13-year career, one major trend has been his performances during the regular season compared to the playoffs.

During the 2017-18 season, Rondo averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists. However, his numbers significantly increased to 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 12.2 assists during the playoffs.

While statistics suggest there’s an uptick in performance and production, Gentry disagreed with the idea of Rondo becoming a second person of sorts.

“I disagree with that totally. I think if you look over the course of 82 games, obviously people are going to have struggles and there’s going to be ups and downs. When he’s on the floor, he plays. It doesn’t matter if it’s the playoffs or 73rd game of the season,” Gentry said.

“Me personally, I don’t like ‘Playoff Rondo,’ ‘Regular season Rondo.’ I think he’s just a really good, solid player.”

While most teams play fast in today’s NBA, the games generally slow down during the playoffs. As each possession matters, Rondo thrives in these types of situations and the Lakers will be looking to him if they are able to end their five-year playoff drought.

At 19-13 and fifth in the Western Conference, the Lakers have exceeded expectations so far. With Rondo and Brandon Ingram back from their injuries, the goal is to find a rhythm again to start the new year and be playing their best basketball come April.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off the Lakers v. Warriors game on Christmas Day or any home game for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

5 Reasons Why Lakers Fans Should Feel Good About 2015-2016 Season

The 2015-2016 NBA season is nearly here and for fans of the…

Could Dwight Howard’s Absence Lead To A Less Than Perfect Pau Gasol?

Thanks to Dwight Howard missing the first part of the upcoming 2012-13…

Rich Paul Denies Claims Klutch Sports & LeBron James Are In Conflict With Lakers

The 2022 All-Star Weekend brought the Los Angeles Lakers some physical rest, but the break has hardly been quiet…

Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell On Returning To Starting Lineup

Many fans have been calling for Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell to return to the starting lineup, but head coach Byron Scott has yet to make the change…