Rajon Rondo on Clippers' Ceiling: 'It's Either Championship or Bust'

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Rajon Rondo and the Los Angeles Clippers have their eyes set on a championship this season. 

Speaking to ESPN's Rachel Nichols, Rondo—who was acquired by the Clippers at the trade deadline—said the team has the ultimate ceiling for 2021. 

The 32-18 Clippers are currently the third seed in the Western Conference, six-and-a-half games behind the first-place Utah Jazz and three back from the Phoenix Suns. 

If the Clippers were able to run all the way to a title, it would be Rondo's second in as many seasons. He appeared in 48 games for the Lakers in a backup role en route to a championship last season.

"It is a rivalry here in Los Angeles. But for the most part, I have been getting a bunch of 'welcome back's. It is different coming back to L.A. being a champion," he said (h/t ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk).

The four-time All-Defensive team selection also won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. 

He signed with the Atlanta Hawks in free agency leading into the 2020-21 campaign. The 35-year-old—a four-time All-Star with Boston from 2009-13—averaged 3.9 points and 3.5 assists through his 27 appearances with the Hawks this season, where he primarily filled in behind Trae Young.

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Rondo hasn't played with his new team yet as he recovers from an adductor injury.