Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics are saying all the right things about keeping the All-Star point guard on Causeway Street once his contract is up at the end of the season. But what if reality sets in and they can’t work out a deal?
What if Rondo ends up signing elsewhere?
And what if he signs with the Los Angeles Lakers?
There are not a lot of teams that would be willing to meet Rondo’s price in free agency, if he indeed is seeking a maximum contract. A lot of the true contenders Rondo might consider joining are either set at point guard or have money tied up in stars at other positions that would prevent them from throwing a huge deal his way. Rondo might therefore end up remaining in Boston by default.
Except then Rondo went and had breakfast with Kobe Bryant last week, raising suspicions that the two longtime nemeses could join forces. Bryant is 36 years old, but he and the Lakers have indicated he could play beyond the end of his contract in 2016. What better way for Bryant to chase a sixth NBA championship ring than with a former foe by his side?
All of this begs the question of how Celtics fans would react if Rondo actually signed with their team’s bitter rival. Most of them understood when Doc Rivers bolted his contract rather than endure a rebuilding stretch, and almost nobody blames Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for agreeing to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
But as Ray Allen can tell you firsthand, not every player leaves Boston on good terms.
So, how would you react if Rondo signed with the Lakers next summer? Cast your vote below.
Photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
