Lakers’ LeBron James on Rajon Rondo Retiring: 1 of Best Players I Ever Played With

Doric SamApril 3, 2024

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

After longtime NBA point guard Rajon Rondo officially retired on Tuesday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James paid his respect to his former teammate.

Late in his 16-year career, Rondo spent two seasons in Los Angeles alongside James and helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship. James told reporters that he holds Rondo in high regard despite only playing together for a brief time.

“One of the best players I ever played with,” James said. “Obviously, his IQ was out of this world. I was very lucky to get to team up with him… ‘Do always talked about if he ever teamed up with me, he knew we could win a championship. And we did that.”

Dave McMenamin @mctenLeBron James on Rajon Rondo officially announcing his retirement: “One of the best players I ever played with. … ‘Do always talked about if he ever teamed up with me, he knew we could win a championship. And we did that” pic.twitter.com/GtLofpAUtg

James and Rondo also spent quite some time as opposing rivals. While James played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, Rondo starred for the Boston Celtics, the team that is arguably James’ fiercest playoff opponent.

Rondo was a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. He was once undoubtedly among the top point guards in the league, leading the NBA in assists three times and earning four All-Defensive selections.

Now, Rondo will get the chance to enjoy his well-deserved retirement knowing that he has the utmost respect from a legend like James.