How is Rajon Rondo, the first person to win a ring out of the 2020 Lakers squad, not in the rotation during Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals at the Bubble?

When you think back to the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, it’s hard not to recognize the significance of the bubble environment, the unique circumstances, and the players who stepped up. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were looking to secure the franchise’s 17th championship in history, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most titles in NBA history.

However, amidst this momentous occasion, one glaring question arose during Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals: Why wasn’t Rajon Rondo, a key member of the Lakers’ championship run, in the rotation?

Rondo had been a crucial figure for the Lakers throughout their postseason journey. Yet, in that pivotal Game 5, a game that would eventually see the Lakers clinch the title, the veteran point guard and two-time NBA champion was noticeably absent from the rotation. This was a moment in time when his experience, leadership, and on-court skillset could have been invaluable to the Lakers, particularly with the game being so close and high-stakes.

Let’s take a deeper look at why Rondo was not used in Game 5 of the 2020 Finals, and what it means in the broader context of his career, the Lakers’ roster decisions, and the team’s success during the championship run.

Rondo’s Role in the Lakers’ Playoff Success

Before diving into the reasons for his absence in Game 5, it’s important to highlight Rajon Rondo’s role in the Lakers’ playoff run. Rondo had been a steady contributor to the team since joining the Lakers in 2018. Known for his basketball IQ, exceptional court vision, and elite defensive ability, Rondo was a player whose impact went beyond the box score.

A Veteran Presence

Rondo was brought in to provide the Lakers with a veteran presence, especially with LeBron James, the de facto leader of the team. Rondo had already proven himself as a player who could deliver in high-pressure situations, having won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. His experience as a floor general and his ability to manage the tempo of a game were seen as critical assets for the Lakers in their quest for a title.

In the 2020 playoffs, Rondo elevated his play, particularly during the later rounds. He proved to be a key contributor off the bench, playing an important role as the Lakers marched toward the Finals. His playoff performances were a throwback to his prime, particularly with his exceptional ability to run the offense, distribute the ball, and guard the opposing team’s best player.

Bubble Breakout

What made Rondo’s contributions even more notable in 2020 was that he wasn’t expected to play as much, especially after he sustained a thumb injury during the regular season. However, once he returned to the bubble, his playmaking was evident in games against teams like the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets. In particular, his defense against James Harden and his clutch shot-making in pivotal moments added a layer of stability for the Lakers when LeBron was on the bench or needed rest.

Rondo’s impact on the floor, particularly his leadership, was critical in getting the Lakers past some of the toughest teams in the league. His calm demeanor and ability to execute under pressure made him a vital piece for the Lakers’ success heading into the Finals.

Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals: A Pivotal Moment

By the time Game 5 of the Finals came around, the Lakers were in the driver’s seat, leading the series 3-1. The game itself would go on to be a crucial one for the Lakers, as they had the opportunity to close out the series and win their first championship in a decade.

The Miami Heat, however, were not to be underestimated. Behind the play of Jimmy Butler, who had been phenomenal throughout the Finals, the Heat had kept the series competitive. Game 5 was always going to be a battle, but the Lakers were expected to get the job done.

What was unexpected, however, was the absence of Rajon Rondo from the rotational rotation.

Rondo’s Non-Existence in the Game

In a game where the Lakers were on the verge of clinching the title, coach Frank Vogel opted to not include Rondo in the rotation, a decision that surprised many. Rondo, known for his ability to manage the flow of the game and create opportunities for teammates, had been a constant throughout the playoffs. Yet, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis dominating the ball, Vogel leaned more heavily on his primary starters and the bench players who had more consistent shooting and scoring roles in the Finals.

As the Lakers gained an advantage in the game, Vogel chose to prioritize players like Alex Caruso, Kuzma, and even J.R. Smith—who had seen limited minutes in the Finals but had a shooting edge at times over Rondo.

Vogel’s Decision-Making Process

Frank Vogel’s decision to exclude Rondo from the game might have been based on a few factors:

1. Increased Reliance on LeBron and AD: The Lakers’ offense in the Finals had become heavily dependent on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, particularly in the pick-and-roll offense. With Davis playing a huge role on both ends of the floor, and LeBron orchestrating everything, the need for a traditional point guard was diminished, especially in crucial closing moments.
2. The Importance of Floor Spacing: Rondo, though a great playmaker, was not always considered a reliable shooter. In the modern NBA, floor spacing is vital for creating offensive opportunities. The Lakers relied heavily on shooters like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, and Caruso to space the floor and provide shooting support for LeBron and AD. This may have made Rondo’s presence on the floor less desirable, given his limitations in perimeter shooting.
3. Defensive Matchups: Miami’s lineup in Game 5 featured numerous players capable of stretching the floor and putting pressure on the defense. Jimmy Butler, Goran Dragić, and Tyler Herro could all score in a variety of ways. Vogel, prioritizing defense and matchup versatility, likely decided to stick with defensive-minded players like Caruso and Kuzma, whose length and versatility could bother Miami’s perimeter players.
4. Rondo’s Injury History: While Rondo had been playing well in the playoffs, his injury history might have played a role in the decision. He had dealt with a thumb injury earlier in the playoffs, and Vogel may have been hesitant to rely on him in a must-win game when other options were available.

Rondo’s Legacy with the Lakers and Beyond

Though Rondo was not included in Game 5, his contributions to the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship should not be understated. His ability to step up in critical moments and provide leadership was instrumental in the team’s journey to the Finals.

Rondo’s time in Los Angeles saw him make key plays, especially in Game 2 of the Finals, where he had a critical performance off the bench, delivering important assists and making key defensive stops. Even in the postseason leading up to the Finals, Rondo was a stabilizing presence for the Lakers, especially in situations where LeBron needed to rest or the offense needed an experienced hand.

For Rondo, the championship in 2020 added to his legacy as a two-time NBA champion, joining the ranks of elite point guards in NBA history. His leadership, tenacity, and ability to control games from the point guard position remained one of the Lakers’ key advantages during their playoff run.

 The Complexity of Team Dynamics

Rajon Rondo’s absence in the Game 5 rotation was just one of the many complex decisions a head coach must make in a Finals series. While his experience and talent were undeniable, the Lakers’ team dynamics, roster construction, and overall game plan dictated that other players stepped up in critical moments.

Frank Vogel’s decision to leave Rondo out of the rotation during this particular game could have been influenced by the factors of matchups, shooting, and overall team strategy. It was a tough call for Vogel, but one that ultimately worked in the context of the Lakers’ larger goal.

Looking back, Rondo’s role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run remains significant, even though his impact was not always fully recognized in the box score. His leadership, defense, and ability to raise his game in the postseason were integral to the team’s success, making his absence in Game 5 a notable but understandable moment in an unforgettable title run.