Lakers trade Rajon Rondo to Cavs for Denzel Valentine

Rajon Rondo Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers trade four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo to Cavaliers for Denzel Valentine

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/31/21

The Cleveland Cavaliers' backcourt has been hit hard by the injury bug this season.

First, Collin Sexton was lost for the season after he suffered a torn meniscus in November. Then, the rejuvenated Ricky Rubio tore his left ACL — the same one he tore in 2012 — on Tuesday.

The team took a potential big step to alleviate the loss of both players on Friday.

Rondo is eager for the chance to play a bigger role with an ascending Cavaliers team in the absence of Ricky Rubio, sources said. He's been positive on the deal since it was presented to him as an option yesterday. https://t.co/7yg8F3PgED
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 31, 2021

It was reported on Thursday that the Cavaliers were in "serious talks" to acquire Rondo before the deal was finalized on Friday. The 35-year-old has played for eight different teams since 2014.

Rondo joined the Lakers in 2018 and was with them for their 2020 NBA title before leaving to join the Atlanta Hawks. The point guard was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and again to the Memphis Grizzlies but agreed to a buyout and joined the Lakers once more in August as a free agent.

In 18 games off the bench this season, Rondo has averaged 3.1 points, 3.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 16.1 minutes per contest.

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