Rajon Rondo is a candidate to join JJ Redick’s Lakers coaching staff

There may be a new Kentucky Wildcats trio in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers, who have been in search of a head coach over the last several weeks and struck out on UConn standout Dan Hurley, have inked a new deal with ESPN’s JJ Redick.

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Redick should make a good fit, but the jury still seems out on the first-time head coach.

That said, Redick is reportedly interested in Rajon Rondo, who spent between 2004 and 2006 with the Wildcats.

Rondo had multiple stints with the Lakers, so he likely knows the management pretty well. He was with them from 2018-20 and then again in 2021-22. He won a championship with them in 2020.

Rondo announced his retirement from basketball on April 2, 2024, and he could have his eyes set on coaching. Shams Charania is the first to break the news.

Assistant coaching candidates for Redick’s staff will include former head coach and recent Trail Blazers assistant Scott Brooks, former Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, ex-Laker and current Dallas Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley and Cassell, according to league sources.

Rondo is one of the best floor generals in the history of the NBA. The argument is at least there, as he dished out 11-plus assists in four seasons throughout his illustrious career. He was best known for his time with the Boston Celtics.

That said, Rondo doesn’t have any coaching experience, but on that note, neither does Redick. They’ve both been around the game so much over the last decade that the inexperience could be the least of the worries for Los Angeles.

Rondo's relationship with superstar center Anthony Davis, who is among the leaders on the Lakers roster, could aid his decision. Rondo spent time with Davis while the two were in New Orleans during the 2017-2018 season and then again with the Lakers.

Los Angeles also has former Wildcats forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who was limited to just 29 games this past season due to injury but is under contract for three more years.

For now, there’s no news on where Rondo’s head is at and if he has any interest in this opportunity; however, there doesn’t appear to be much reason that he’d be hard-pressed not to look into the premier position.