Lakers to trade Rondo to Cavs after Rubio’s season-ending injury

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be receiving some much-needed help in the backcourt following point guard Ricky Rubio’s season-ending knee injury. The Cavs are acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Shams Charania of the Athletic.

Guard Denzel Valentine will move to Los Angeles as part of the agreement, and they are expected to waive him to have a roster spot available.

The fall of Rubio

Rubio was diagnosed with a torn ACL on his left knee after he slipped and fell during their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The Spaniard had provided seasoned leadership to the Cavaliers, delivering a career-high 13.1points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season.

Bringing in Rondo will help fill the gap that Rubio will be leaving, as the 35-year-old veteran is projected to ably take some of the team’s play-making load and provide leadership. He was considered one of the NBA’s best playmakers in his prime.

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Rondo brings experience

Rondo helped bring the Lakers to the championship during the 2019-20 campaign. Los Angeles had just signed him back on a one-year, $2.6 million contract after he played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020-21 season.

The Cavaliers sit at number five in the Eastern Conference and are serious contenders for the playoffs. The inclusion of a veteran like Rondo who has championship experience will greatly enhance Cleveland’s young team.

Rondo is a two-time NBA champion and made the NBA All-Star selection four times. He has played for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago bulls, New Orleans Pelican, the Lakers, the Hawks, and the Clippers.

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