Rajon Rondo, crucial in earlier Lakers’ games, was surprisingly not in the Game 5 rotation during the 2020 NBA Finals.

Rajon Rondo’s journey in the NBA has been one of highs, lows, and unexpected turns. The 2020 season, however, brought a unique chapter in Rondo’s career, as he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and helped them win the NBA Championship in the Orlando “Bubble.” A pivotal part of the Lakers’ run to the title, Rondo was instrumental during crucial stretches of the playoffs, providing leadership, clutch performances, and the kind of playmaking that the Lakers needed to reach the summit.

However, despite Rondo’s critical role in the earlier rounds, a surprising decision by head coach Frank Vogel in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals raised eyebrows and left fans and analysts alike wondering why the veteran point guard was left out of the rotation. In a series where every possession mattered, and the Lakers were facing off against a tough Miami Heat team, it seemed incongruous that Rondo, who had played such an essential role during the previous rounds, wouldn’t feature prominently during such a pivotal game.

The Role of Rajon Rondo in the 2020 Lakers’ Playoff Run

To understand why Rondo’s exclusion from the rotation in Game 5 was so surprising, it’s important to first look at his journey to that point. When Rondo signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018, the expectations were modest. Rondo was seen as a savvy veteran who could provide depth at the point guard position, but his skill set—especially his non-traditional shooting—raised questions about how he would fit alongside LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers roster.

Despite those questions, Rondo quickly proved to be a valuable asset to the team. Known for his leadership, basketball IQ, and elite playmaking ability, Rondo became a key figure off the bench for the Lakers in the regular season and throughout their playoff run. While LeBron James carried much of the ball-handling duties, Rondo offered a second facilitator who could come in and control the offense when necessary.

In the 2020 NBA Playoffs, Rondo’s impact was undeniable. After dealing with injuries during the regular season, Rondo came back strong in the postseason, quickly showing that he was still capable of high-level play. In the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers, Rondo’s presence helped solidify the Lakers’ bench and provided another reliable ball handler to keep the offense running smoothly when LeBron James wasn’t on the floor. As the playoffs continued, Rondo’s importance grew. In the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Rondo had several pivotal moments, showing his ability to make clutch plays and provide valuable defense, especially when matched up against Denver’s talented guards.

However, it was in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat where Rondo’s contributions truly shone. In the first few games of the Finals, Rondo played with the kind of poise and confidence that Lakers fans had come to expect from the veteran. He displayed his trademark leadership, making timely assists and contributing with his defensive effort. The Lakers needed that extra burst from Rondo in the Finals as they faced a gritty, well-coached Miami team led by Jimmy Butler.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Rondo was pivotal in the Lakers’ victory, contributing a near triple-double, including 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, in just 23 minutes of play. His defensive intensity on the perimeter, combined with his smart decision-making and quick passes, helped the Lakers win a game in which Miami was never really out of it. Game 2 was similar, as Rondo continued to provide the Lakers with an important boost from the bench. His presence on both ends of the floor was undeniable, and the Lakers seemed to be thriving in the Finals with Rondo as an important contributor.

As the series progressed, however, something strange began to happen. Rondo, who had been one of the Lakers’ most important players, found himself increasingly marginalized in the rotation. By Game 5, it was revealed that Frank Vogel had made the controversial decision to leave Rondo out of the rotation entirely. Given his track record during the playoffs, this decision raised serious questions and left many puzzled as to why Vogel made such a move.

Why Was Rajon Rondo Left Out of the Rotation in Game 5?

The decision to not include Rajon Rondo in Game 5 of the NBA Finals was a significant moment that left fans and analysts scratching their heads. On the surface, it seemed to contradict everything that had been working for the Lakers during the series and the postseason as a whole. To understand why this decision was made, several factors must be considered.

Injury Concerns and Minutes Management

One potential reason for Rondo’s absence from the rotation could have been related to injuries. Throughout the playoffs, Rondo had dealt with various ailments that required him to manage his minutes carefully. While he had performed well in the Finals, the wear and tear of the postseason might have led Vogel to limit Rondo’s minutes or rest him for key moments later in the game. The decision to keep Rondo out of the rotation in Game 5 could have been a strategic move to prevent further injury or fatigue, especially given the fact that the Lakers were up 3-1 in the series and could afford to be cautious with their key players.

Strategic Lineups and Matchups

Another plausible reason for Rondo’s exclusion in Game 5 could have been Vogel’s desire to go with a different lineup. As the Finals series continued, Vogel seemed to experiment with different rotations to find the best matchups against Miami’s offense. The Heat had a versatile lineup that included players like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Goran Dragic, all of whom could play multiple positions and create mismatches on the floor. In response to this, Vogel might have opted to use more traditional lineups, particularly with defensive specialists and shooters to match Miami’s speed and shooting ability.

Vogel had already shown a willingness to make adjustments based on matchups throughout the series, and the exclusion of Rondo could have been another tactical decision. With LeBron James running the offense for the majority of the game, Vogel may have decided to go with a smaller, faster lineup that could keep up with the Heat’s offensive sets and defend their perimeter players more effectively. While this decision was risky, it may have been driven by a desire to give the Lakers a better chance at matching Miami’s speed and shooting ability.

Confidence in Other Players

Another factor that may have played into the decision to leave Rondo out of the rotation was Vogel’s confidence in other players. During Game 5, players like Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Markieff Morris all stepped up with significant minutes and contributions. Caruso, in particular, had emerged as a defensive stalwart for the Lakers and was a crucial part of their scheme in stopping Miami’s guards. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis also carrying a significant load on offense, Vogel may have felt that he could afford to ride with the bench players who had been contributing solid minutes throughout the series.

By relying more on the defensive-minded players in Caruso and Caldwell-Pope, Vogel might have been seeking to give the Lakers an edge in limiting Miami’s offensive weapons, especially considering the Heat’s scoring potential from players like Butler and Dragic.

Rondo’s Influence: A Closer Look

It is also worth considering the effect Rondo had on the Lakers as a leader and veteran presence. Throughout the postseason, Rondo had shown that he was much more than just a point guard. He was a vocal leader in the locker room, offering guidance to the young players on the team, particularly during critical moments in the Finals. His calming presence was something the Lakers needed as they faced high-pressure situations, and his ability to slow down the game was a trait that many players relied on.

However, the Finals is a stage where the best players shine, and sometimes a coach has to make tough decisions that benefit the overall rhythm of the team. Vogel’s decision to sideline Rondo could have been part of a larger strategy to optimize the team’s performance. Despite Rondo’s invaluable leadership and contributions, the Lakers were in a position to win the Finals without needing him to be on the floor at all times. It’s important to remember that in high-stakes games like the NBA Finals, every decision a coach makes is a calculated risk, and it’s possible that Vogel believed that Rondo’s absence would give the Lakers the best chance to close out the series.

 Rondo’s Legacy and the Lakers’ Championship

The Lakers’ decision to leave Rajon Rondo out of the Game 5 rotation was an unusual and perplexing one, but it ultimately did not impact the team’s success. The Lakers went on to win the NBA Finals, clinching the 17th championship in franchise history, and Rondo played a significant role in getting them there. Even though he was not involved in the Game 5 rotation, his contributions earlier in the series, as well as his leadership, were integral to the Lakers’ success.

Rajon Rondo’s journey with the Lakers will always be remembered as one of the most unexpected and impactful chapters in his storied career. While his exclusion from Game 5 may remain a point of discussion, the larger narrative of his contributions to the Lakers’ championship run will endure as a testament to his resilience, basketball IQ, and leadership.