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Los Angeles Lakers: Who will start at point guard, Lonzo Ball or Rajon Rondo?

By Andres Buenahora

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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With two starting caliber point guards on the roster, the Los Angeles Lakers will have an open competition at the PG position

The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the offseason. They are the unquestioned winners of the NBA’s 2018 Free Agency, having signed LeBron James to a four-year deal. This elevates them to significant contention and once again puts this storied franchise in the competitive sphere.

In addition to signing the best player currently in the game, the Lakers also signed Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo, all to one-year deals in hopes of freeing cap space to land another max player in the summer of 2019. The likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler will be free agents and could further bolster the organization when paired with the greatest player in the world.

The addition of Rondo, specifically, is an intriguing move by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. The Lakers will reportedly have an “open competition” for the starting point guard spot between Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball.

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Ball struggled vitally his rookie year yet was able to play through mistakes and receive big minutes on a non playoff team. Ball will no longer have this luxury his second year, as the team will look to make a deep run in the playoffs. Rondo, the established veteran with a championship pedigree, will ultimately want to start over Ball, which could create tension.

Aside from James, there are a number of personalities on this new Los Angeles squad that may not mesh well in the locker room. Despite all of his accomplishments, Rondo has known to be a headache to players and coaches alike. JaVale McGee was considered an unmotivated player who was nothing more than a joke and the Shaqtin’ a Fool MVP before his stint with the Warriors. Lance Stephenson, of course, is best known for being an inconsistent role player and annoyance to LeBron James.

Indiana Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard has even said:

"“sometimes [Lance] was the best player on our team and sometimes he was the best player on the other team.”"

This emphasizes Stephenson’s unique persona and game, and how he may be a negative presence.

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Despite chemistry concerns, however, Rondo has cited he is excited to mentor the young guard and help him develop. Both players are pass-first floor generals but just who gets the nod from head coach Luke Walton and whether there will be consistency at this position will be an interesting development throughout the season.

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