Rajon Rondo: Winning with Celtics and Lakers, The LeBron Game

Rajon Rondo didn’t just win two NBA championships during his NBA career. He did so while playing on both sides of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers rivalry. Rondo explores the differences in those two experiences, and how each came to be, throughout this episode.
Rondo also gives his perspective both of being the guy who helped to end LeBron James’ first run in Cleveland, to playing against LeBron during the Miami years, to being LeBron’s teammate in Los Angeles. Rondo specifically remembers the moments of wanting to play LeBron and the Cavs during the 2010 Playoffs and then beating them, as well as LeBron’s career-altering performance during Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.
Much more is covered in the episode, as Rondo recalls nearly being traded for Kevin Garnett, the epic 2009 playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, and what separates Boston from other sports cities. He also tells the story of playing on a torn ACL and how he eventually found out it was torn, as well as playing with a dislocated elbow following his dust-up with Dwyane Wade during the 2011 Playoffs.
0:30 - Rondo’s observations of today’s NBA game
5:18 - Boston’s guards and Jrue Holiday being one of his favorite teammates
8:15 - Nearly being traded by Boston and experience of playing for multiple teams
15:33 - Playing on a torn ACL and learning about the injury from a radio broadcast
21:17 - Reliving biggest moments of his Boston career
30:53 - Facing Brad Stevens and the Celtics in 2017 Playoffs as a member of the Bulls
40:45 - Learning about Rondo’s basketball IQ
44:15 - Winning another championship
View From The Rafters is presented by ‪@FlexcarKZbin‬
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[@treyanderson23]

it’s crazy the amount of people who got into basketball / the nba because of Rondo (including myself) the influence he had as a player will never be forgotten. my favorite player to ever play the game.

[@marcdesty823]

I got into it because of him and I still remember the first ever game I watched

[@MrEverlas99]

@kanajingly8957and when they broke Up I quit basketball again

[@OkHarley]

Him and pierce opened the door for me. Then I feel on love with players like B Roy, AK47, Melo, and more. Pierce and Rondo made me basketball a Cs fan and a basketball fan

[@tretyp4650]

The greatest fucking Pg Idgaf what anybody says ‼️🐐☘️

[@moneyman4740]

I was more of a Wall/ Rose guy around that time but Rondo had a big affect on kids my age around that 2009-2012 era , so many of us use to do his behind the back pass fake into a layup , i didnt know a kid who didnt like Rondo even lakers fans , that was a great time

[@nicksouza1567]

One of my favorite Celtics during that big 3 era. Such a smart and fun player to watch. One of the best passers I’ve ever watched.

[@kingsmurf6536]

Big 4

[@NatTurnergrandsonChrisdorner]

Incredibly smart! I can see him coaching one day

[@lawlor2925]

Rondo was my favorite player. When he popped his elbow cause of wade and still was out there dunking it, that shit was inspiring

[@FizzSix]

One of the greatest pure points of all-time… His IQ is unrivaled.

[@bradleyhacker7684]

Rondo is the reason i’m a Celtics fan and a fan of the NBA in general. As an 8 year old kid in Kentucky Rondo was the wildcats best player and my favorite. He was picked up by Boston and I personally think i’m one of the biggest Celtics fans, especially in KY. Let’s Go Celtics!

[@ou8428]

Best real point guard of this era. Chris Paul is a choker and a flopper, and Curry is really a shooting guard

[@juniorhernandez3347]

Rajon Rondo is the guy that got me into basketball as someone who only watched the Finals games of Spurs vs Heat. I’ve been following his career since 2013 and it’s been so fun I feel retired now as a fan enjoying the journey of his favorite player’s NBA career.

[@marlanekelly170]

Same here. The reason why I’m a Celtics fan today. Been a fan of his since ‘07!

[@leross5586]

That dude was a great Celtic… one of the best passers ive ever seen…. Biggest thing i loved about Rondo, in big games, he BALLED OUT….always…. Ill always remember how he played in Game 6 clincher vs Lakers… the dude was all over the court…like he was on fire

[@cvgodd1432]

I named my dog after him.. he’s on my icon but passed away about 2 years ago! RIP Rondo!!😢

[@Takeprofit__]

Love and admire Rajon one of my favorite players

[@rhyscampbell8394]

my favourite thing about him is how he speaks lowkey, his the most concise person I have ever heard, im taking notes

[@ChristopherRobinson-l5v]

Rondo would be an incredible coach if he ever truly wanted to fully invest in it. Incredibly smart human being.

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

My favorite PG Rajon Rondo 💪🔥💪

[@rossissilly9508]

Rondo is the reason I started watching basketball back in 2010 (so sadly I missed when we got banner 17). This was a great listen and nice catch up hearing from him. Can’t wait to see Rondo come visit the team some more this season and also coach in the NBA some day

[@nicobaino5260]

Main reason why I am now a Celtics fan

[@CLYMA1.5CHAINZ]

One of the reasons i became a Celtic in 2007-08 ☘️☘️i looove Point Guards like Rondo, Jayson Williams, etc....inspired me to be past first 💪🏽💪🏽

[@Mark-n4t9n]

My favorite position on the court. The ((( point. Guard!!))). The quarterback of your team if you have a good / great point guard. You have yourself. A very decent chance for a very good// to great team.

[@jessicamasina1564]

I literally named my son Rajon!!! Lol.... Rajon Rondo is a legend!! Love him! Boston Celtics tho for life!!! ❤️🏀🔥

[@TheMoShowPod]

#9💚🏆

[@lowkeywill5909]

My fave pg of all time, reason I became a celtics fan ☘️

[@jeanrwhite7068]

Rondo one my favorite celtics of all super high basketball IQ talent and super competitive. I am pretty good connect 4 player my self would love to play.

[@KO-iz4dc]

My favorite PG of all time. Criminally, unjustifiably underrated. Top 10 PG of all time watch the tape!

[@lurkintomgaming397]

All time streak of 10 assists or more in ceremonies history it’s like 120 games in a row with 10 dimes or more. One of the best passers in NBA history

[@willread8376]

Only player to win a ring with the two most historical rival Teams ever. He is immortalized

[@caseyplunkett6083]

So great to have Rondo back in Green so to speak.

[@CS-np2oo]

Underrated passer in my opinion. 🔥

[@IveBeenChris]

One of the greatest Rondo game ever was when he played the Miami Heat and played all the minutes including ot. The only time he got to sat was when during timeouts, halftime and commercial break.

[@uzi978]

I want him on the Celtics coaching staff, he's always had a high bball IQ.. would be an amazing full-time addition.

[@mattstrout6]

Great interview. Good stuff from Grande! Rondo is definitely a coach in 5 years.

[@shxfty_c0nt3st3d5]

I loved rondo one of our best PG in our entire history. I just feel like he didn’t wanna be here after the big 3 left. Like he was only here long term cuz of them. I would’ve liked for him to be here a little longer

[@whewkid]

I think the Phoenix Suns could really use Rajon Rondo right now. I see they have D Booker playing PG which I think is insane they need a pass first PG which Rondo is. He can get easy buckets for Durant, Beal, Booker & Nurkic. I remember when the big 3 formed I became an instant fan of the Celtics watching Rondo thru that run was insane to watch him grow as a player almost averaging triple doubles every playoffs. Being from Toronto everyone in my middle school in 2008 and high school in 2010 was rooting for the Lakers I was so happy when Celtics won the 2008 finals, 2010 was close what if Perkins didnt get injured. Really wished the Celtics kept James Posey he played amazing defence on Kobe in 2008 & letting go of Tony Allen was a mistake.

[@HooperVibes_12]

One of my favorite hoopers of ALL TIME 🏀❤️

[@nocturne311]

Best PG in Celtics history since JoJo White in my opinion.

[@Mark-n4t9n]

Man!! Do I miss Jo! Jo! Love his pull up jumper. With his ((( pump! Pump! Then release!!))) Loved that 74---76. Celtic teams..

[@nocturne311]

​@@Mark-n4t9nThose teams get glossed over when fans bring up the Celtics title teams of old, and yet, they embodied the concept of Celtics pride as much as any team in the history of the franchise. They were also part of arguably the greatest game in NBA history in game five of the 1976 Finals against Phoenix.

[@paul24reyes]

As a life long lakers fan rondo was always my favorite Celtic, wish we could get more content with him

[@BulletAgario]

He was my favorite player when I was a kid

[@therealdarrell282]

I remember Rondo streaking up the floor against Miami in the playoffs and having to motion Ray to run the floor to get a a numbers advantage.

[@beverleyfox7254]

My all time favorite point guard

[@scamcreds]

The reason i got into basketball 🐐

[@mario1229]

MY FAVORITE PG!!!

[@CLNS_Nick]

Great episode Marc! ☘️

[@MrShishi]

RONDOS the only Player beloved by both Lakers and Celtics Fans.

[@Kane-ez]

been a lifelong celtics fan rajon was as tough a player as any , he was great ....

[@CelticeHype18]

I speak for everyone when I say we want grande on the telecast!

[@BigBankTy]

Y’all forgot to ask rondo about that karate kick when he was playing for Kentucky 😂😂 we need the backstory 😂

[@kiaiga]

Goat! The reason I fell in love w the game

[@GjayMobileLegends]

Sign him 1 more time please , he deserves proper retirement 😢

[@jacobgross4469]

Celtic Legend my favorite player always will be

[@rollingwins]

I remember thinking that Celtics Bulls series in 09 was the best playoff series I ever seen at the time

[@MrTurner612]

My Favorite Player And Definitely The Best PG Since Bob Cousy. KG Said He Told Them Rondo Had To Stay Or He Wasnt Coming To Boston.

[@emmettmccleary4946]

just an absolute treat to watch. love that grande tapped in for this one.

[@osvaldopena7837]

Prime Rajon Rondo was better than prime Chris Paul… YEP I SAID IT.

[@WADESGOATED]

Ight casual being different don’t make you look smart

[@briannovallopez1107]

I LOVE Rondo ! ❤

[@Celtics]

So many great memories with Rondo on the squad ☘ Which was your favorite?

[@LiqhterCA]

When he got arrested

[@hendersg2007]

an absolute all time NBA great!

[@CarelessAmbition]

NO AUDIO PRODUCERS & EDITORS DESERVE A REPRIMAND FOR THIS ONE 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@caseyplunkett6083]

Rondo urged Doc to start Bradley so that they could play with more pace. Having Ray Allen run so many patterns bogged down the offense.

[@SuperMt24]

Ray was one of the best off ball offensive players you pib squeak.. go rent some belter basketball films asap

[@fanda6122]

game has changed so much the days of the high-assist guard are over. 9 played more like traditional under sized white guards like steve nash. he was a distributor first and foremost, a floor general with a quick first step, insane ball fakes and a knack for poking balls away and getting into passing lanes. modern nba is so fast it's difficult for them to run old school offenses but rondo controlled the whole game. once in a generation player.

[@tiemann55]

I used to do that one hand behind the back fake pass all the time cause of Rondo

[@michaelcoffey1991]

I seriously dislike the "modern game" for 3 reasons really. 1 the 3 point shot is not just over used it is sadly the ONLY shot people focus on and I seriously loathe it. 2. Defense is all but gone as they do not want ANY physicality. An 3. Because of the sole focus on the 3 point shot, and spacing to shoot more 3's there is no post play, there are no more real Center's or Power Forwards and the game is worse (to me) because of it

[@KingJerbear]

I think you're way off base with most of this. The 3 pointer has certainly changed the game but to say there is no defense is an absolute joke. Defending the 3 ball is one of the most challenging and difficult parts of the game. But the bottom line is, if you look at the list of the highest and best scorers in the league, the majority of the points come from in the paint or driving and getting to the free throw line. The best player in the league for the last 3 seasons is a traditional center who has elevated his game far beyond what any bigs of the past would even dream of doing. But the basis of the game is the same, ball movement leading to open shots is the most effective way to win, it just so happens that the player's shooting range has expanded massively which makes it much more difficult to defend

[@deflategate1297]

Open three shots is alright it's when u chuck it all the time when it becomes a problem

[@michaelcoffey1991]

We will agree to disagree but thanks for your point of view.

[@drip2hard645]

​@KingJerbear yeah if you're a big man with any skill and the team you play on allows the offense to go through you, you will dominate. As there are no centers now to clog the paint. You can't give a hard foul without being thrown out the game. We have Jason tatum a small forward playing power forward. He would have been demolished in the paint by Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Webber, and imagine him or any small forward trying to guard Kevin Garnet or Tim Duncan in the post?

[@Mark-n4t9n]

In ways! The three point shot. Hurt the game/ helped the game at the same time. I believe! Only a select of players. Should be able to come into the game. N shoot the three. The three point shot..should be a specialty shot. Give me those big seven footers. Inside the lane.

[@britt7233]

loved this

[@MrRumorg]

Rondo is one of my favorite Celtics of all time.

[@aceyo816]

I'm still pissed, Wade broke his shoulder on purpose smh

[@juliusrickles]

I say bring him back. Brad you already my hero but I think he could provide something. Him and holiday or Dwhite or all 3 on the court together would be fun

[@lawlor2925]

Rondo watched film in slow motion. He mentioned this back in 2010ish

[@alvinuy6628]

Rondo confirmed what I felt. Wade made a play on the ball and on Rondo's elbow. You could tell from the face of Wade after the incident. Just like in Game 7 vs Miami last season in the opening minutes when Tatum's ankle was injured by their #blackdragontechnique.

[@BabylonGateLA]

LETS GO LAKERS 💪🏻💪🏻💛💜💜💛

[@jpiard116]

Been a Heat fan since 97', I hate the Celtics But respect them none the less. How is there not a 30 for 30 on Celtics vs Heat 2010 - present?

[@everminenow]

When was this filmed?

[@panotgamer6577]

Hope he gets hired as a Coach coz I feel that's what he really wants.

[@JB-sv5pr]

Rondo #9

[@BudoBuki-kn1oq]

Love it!!

[@lurkintomgaming397]

I use prime rondo on the current remediation of the Celtics in 2K. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Prime Rondo on this current team wins 70 games. Holiday off bench. Rondo White Brown Tatum KP is completely unfair.

[@bradleyhacker7684]

University of Kentucky would be smart to take the gamble on Rondo as a head coach, if they ever get the nerve to fire Coach Cal.

[@Cmrmusic734]

Still thanking R.R from cmr🎉🎉🏀🏀🏀💨

[@STLthebestkingever18]

Still don’t understand if d. Rose can still play why not have him on the Celtics roster like that did Haslem.. but he could actually do more and be a players coach

[@scatautotune839]

personalities

[@CrushWildman]

I hate when these vids don’t have time stamps

[@musclemachine8849]

Yooooo the guy all the on the right looks like Skiuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup😂😂😂

[@cardcomm91]

Damn right I'm still pissed off at Wades cheap shot on Rondo. It was as dirty a play as I've ever seen

[@LuckyJackson2020]

he real about not staying unemployed

[@BottingIsWhatIdo]

Nobody taking that Mickey Mouse bubble gum championship seriously 😂

[@antisocialraiding4444]

The lakers need to hire Doc Rivers as their next head coach and Rajon Rondo as Doc's assistant coach.

[@doncardi8699]

Naw. Mark Jackson

[@judahtunes2245]

they didnt want Rajon to get that record

[@cjblanko2678]

Idk I was watching this video n something is off its like they’re robots

[@aviaforrester1481]

Hi/Hello.

[@Mark-n4t9n]

Ya know!! Sometimes i get on perks ass.lol. but man! If we had him in 2010!!!. In game 6/7. V.s lakers. Having a 3 to 2. Advantage. That game perk got hurt. Was all done..our inside enforcer. We gave away game 6. Game 7. Kobevwas off. Didnt have a good game game 7. Artest hit that!! Close your eyes 3 pointer. That shit?? Still gets to me.

[@OGRondo9]

Wish it was 2006 so he was a rookie again

[@hamed8077]

No audio???

[@C3lTics]

reload the video or open another one and go back

[@Tedholla79]

44:54 💍 45:55

[@jrmay1690]

Rajon rondo Phoenix suns need a guard how about it one more run

[@priyathh]

24:10 for the LeBron Game

[@juansolorzano3879]

He definitely deserves his jersey being retired 🥹

[@rashplaysrblx4980]

First

[@migobezzle7009]

Second😂

[@BrendonCMoore]

Rondo definitely would thrive in todays NBA and possible be a better player but he wouldn’t be as historic because everybody is playing fast. Rondo’s style was special back then.

[@kevinchang7497]

Hope this foo doenst go into Celtics rafters. He wanted out literally after 7 yrs. He ain’t a true Celtics

[@kevindick1110]

Would love to see him replace Caliponzi at Kentucky. Sooner rather than later.

[@bianncasretardstrength5783]

How dare the celtic let derrick white take rondos jersey number

[@C3lTics]

i have no sound - u too?

[@C3lTics]

now i have Sound haha

[@worldbfree7576]

Sound fine for me

[@CarelessAmbition]

Try closing the app and coming back to the video brother