Lakers News: Rajon Rondo Says He'll Help Lonzo Ball Develop 'as Much as Possible'

Rajon Rondo is apparently willing to play ball if the Los Angeles Lakers ask him to come off the bench next season.

"Whatever they ask me, you know, my main objective is to win," Rondo told TMZ Sports. "I'm ready to help develop Lonzo as much as possible. If I'm not starting and he's starting, he's going to be ready to go and ready for anybody that comes his way. And we'll be ready to roll."

Rondo, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Lakers in July. He has been a regular starter in 11 of his 12 NBA seasons, including last year with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in last June's NBA draft, started 50 of the 52 games he appeared in as a rookie. He averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds but struggled mightily with his shot. Concern about Ball's development in the aftermath of signing LeBron James likely played a role in the Lakers signing Rondo, a flawed but proven veteran with championship experience.

Rondo was sent to the bench during the 2016-17 season with the Chicago Bulls. The switch did not go over well initially, but Rondo eventually adapted before returning to the starting lineup. One could easily argue the benching was a wake-up call for Rondo, long a prideful and bullheaded player who now may have a better idea of where he stands in the NBA hierarchy.

"I'm looking forward to getting together with all the young guys and even the older guys and putting our minds together to figure out the best way to get W's," Rondo said.