Rajon Rondo announced his retirement from the NBA after 16 seasons. He hasn’t played since the 2021–22 season, but he has now formally announced his retirement.

Rondo made his NBA debut with the Boston Celtics in the 2006–07 campaign. He was a starter on that dominant Celtics squad the very next season, which defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games to win the world title.

Rondo joined the Lakers as a free agent ten years later, of all teams. He accomplished a unique feat a year later when he earned a ring with the Purple and Gold, having previously taken home the championship with Boston, the Lakers’ bitterest archrivals.

LeBron James loved playing with the 6′ 1″ guard because of his ability to drive the play, assist, attack the basket, and make crucial plays for Los Angeles’ 2020 championship team.

James praised Rondo profusely on Tuesday for an incredible career.

James referred to him as “one of the best players I ever played with.” It’s obvious that he had a very high IQ. It was an honor to collaborate with him. Do used to say that he thought we could win a championship if we ever paired together. And that’s what we accomplished.

Interesting fact: in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Rondo with the 21st overall pick. The Lakers originally owned the pick; in 2004, they transferred it to the Celtics in exchange for Chucky Atkins, Chris Mihm, and Jumaine Jones, as well as Gary Payton and the retiring Rick Fox. The Suns acquired the pick after two more transactions, and on draft day they transferred Rondo’s draft rights to Boston.