Many NBA fans were not quite surprised when the Los Angeles Lakers selected D' Angelo Russell as their top pick in the recently concluded NBA Draft though there were leads prior that Russell could be a selected over Jahlil Okafor.
As it stands, the Lakers opted to go for the best guards available in the 2015 NBA Draft, making Russell the 2nd overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft Class.
With Russell's selection, does this mean the Lakers are no longer interested in Rajon Rondo?
With Russell joining Jordan Clarkson to alternate possibly at the point, where does this leave Rondo?
Of course being a rookie, Russell could have been picked as a protégé and/or a backup option just in case Rondo would not sign with the Lakers. Other than LA, the Sacramento Kings are also in hot pursuit of the controversial point guard.
Rondo was being linked to the Lakers especially after he met with Kobe Bryant last December. It was seemingly sending signals that once his contract ends with the Dallas Mavericks, he would be moving over.
His issues with coach Rick Carlisle all the more sparked rumors of him leaving the Mavs though the Lakers mentioned that his entry would depend on his asking salary.
Though it hasn't reached that far, the Lakers may have redirected their attention on Russell, a promising young player who stands to be a potential star in the future.
There is a chance that Rondo could still end up wearing the purple and gold but as far as priorities are concerned, Rondo is no longer at the top. Hence, it makes sense that critics are killing the potential coming of Rondo to Los Angeles at this point as the Lakers are expected to address other positions which need to be filled up.
Priority may thus be refocused on Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge from hereon. Much of that is expected to build up as the NBA heads towards a pretty interesting free agent period this July.
