Why the Los Angeles Lakers Should Avoid Signing Rajon Rondo

With money to spend and a number of holes to fill, the Los Angeles Lakers will look for free agents who could return the franchise back to respectability. 

Rajon Rondo isn't one of those men. 

Rondo's decline in production over the last three seasons, combined with his unceremonious exit from the Dallas Mavericks, should be considered huge red flags. Plus, with talented prospects such as Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, continuing to rebuild with young pieces would be in the team's best interest.

The Lakers aren't accustomed to the kind of downward spiral they have experienced over the last few seasons. The club has missed the playoffs just seven times in franchise history, including twice in the last two seasons.

With icon Kobe Bryant in the twilight of his career, it is understandable if the potential $22 million in cap space is burning a hole in L.A.'s pocket, although general manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters in February he won't let Bryant's possible farewell tour dictate how the team is built. 

Still, according to Bleacher Report's own Kevin Ding, even the Lakers are a bit cautious about giving Rondo a substantial payday this offseason:

So there remains a distinct possibility in today's pace-and-space NBA that the Los Angeles Lakers will be the torchbearers for the old school and sign the pass-first (nay, pass-only) Rondo to a free-agent contract this summer.

But what should be made clear, according to team sources, is that Buss is not the believer he was earlier in the season when it comes to Rondo, and Kupchak is toting enough healthy skepticism that he sees Rondo as value only at a certain low price.

Even at a discount, signing Rondo would be a risky proposition for The Lake Show. During his eight years in the pros, the 29-year-old has butted heads with both teammates and coaches. Furthermore, he hasn't looked like the Ro...

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