The 2020 NBA title was particularly memorable for Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers, in part, because of the Ԁire circumstances they encountered following the tragic of the late, great Kobe Bryant and the subsequent global оutbreak of the cоrоnavirus (CоVID-19).

Los Angeles entered the Orlando bubble in an attempt to cash in on a championship after dominating the regular season, which was a difficult circumstance. While Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the team both inside and outside the hoop, it was the seasoned veterans who contributed significantly to the team’s success amidst these difficult circumstances.

Rajon Rondo was an indispensable member of those veterans during the Lakers’ postseason push. He is widely regarded as one of the preeminent basketball intellectuals and has maintained longstanding relationships with both James and Davis.

Davis shared his views on Rondo’s suitability for the position of head coach during a recent appearance on The Backyard Podcast, hosted by D’Angelo Russell.

“Rondo possesses a high IQ. It is unexpecteԀ that Rondo is not currently a head coach…. The phrase “someone who knows the game” is truly surreal. It is difficult to convey; in fact, you cannot adequately articulate it unless you are immersed in it. Regarding dissecting every aspect, I am speaking. Furthermore, he may reach a juncture where he realizes, “Oh my goodness, he hasn’t even touched that.” This is something I believe you are capable of experiencing. There has been no communication from him.’ Or “Okay, the defense is proceeding as planned.” This was what they did twice in the past. He descends with the message, “I require your presence here, here, here,” and manipulates the entire game while it is in progress. He slows it down and dismantles everyone to the point where it becomes impossible to intervene. “Your actions are completely helpless.”

Due to his IQ, it seems inevitable that Rondo will be added to a coaching staff; however, his off-court issues have likely impeded his progress. Although an immediate promotion to head coach may not be possible, he could be an asset as an assistant coach for a contending or rebuilding team.

Davis spent time with Rondo in both New Orleans and Los Angeles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of his basketball intelligence and coming to appreciate it. At the age of 37 and as he enters a new phase of his life away from basketball, the two-time champion is considering coaching as a viable option.