Two titles, two iconic teams, Rajon Rondo knows what it takes to win at the highest level. But when comparing his two championship runs—with the storied Boston Celtics in 2008 and the resilient Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Bubble in 2020—he says one holds a deeper meaning.
Rondo was recently a special guest on the Draymond Green Show, where he opened up about which championship means the most to him, revealing the unique challenges and personal significance behind his 2020 Lakers title.
Rajon Rondo Reflects
“You can’t compare the two honestly because in 2020, we were in the bubble so we didn’t get a parade. So I’ve only had one parade and that was the most amazing thing that’s happened to me in basketball,” Rondo said. “That type of love and reaction to see the fans, you’ve seen it this year, but to be a part of it, to get on a duck boat and go on a tour, it was amazing. That’s the only opportunity I’ve got to have a parade but at that particular time I won it in 2020 my son was in the bubble with me and that made that moment a little more special winning it in 2020.”
It might be surprising to hear this from Rondo, but his reasoning makes sense. While the 2008 title with the Celtics will always be meaningful, the 2020 championship with the Lakers held a unique significance—one he got to share with his family in the midst of an unforgettable NBA Bubble experience.
The Reality Of The 2020 Los Angeles Lakers Bubble Championship
Some players from that 2020 Lakers team have called it the hardest championship to win, citing the unprecedented circumstances of the Bubble. Even Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo acknowledged the challenge, saying, “That was the hardest championship to win, in my opinion.”
During another interview on The Draymond Green Show, the former Nuggets champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opened up on just how difficult it was to win in the NBA Bubble. Caldwell-Pope sees the 2020 championship as one of the most challenging he’s ever won.
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“They just hating, man. It’s one of the hardest championships to win,” Caldwell-Pope said. “You’re playing a season then the season’s shut down. You don’t know if you’re even going to come back and play basketball. We saw how, in the regular season, we was playing and then we was like, ‘What the f**k.’ Season is over with, like damn.”
Rajon Rondo: A Legacy Built on Leadership And Unforgettable Championships
Rajon Rondo’s legacy is defined by his leadership, toughness, and ability to perform in the clutch, whether it was alongside the Celtics’ Big Three in 2008 or guiding the Los Angeles Lakers through the unique challenges of the 2020 NBA Bubble.
Both titles cemented his place in NBA history, but it’s clear that the experience in 2020 holds a special place in his heart. Rondo’s ability to thrive under pressure, combined with the added joy of sharing the championship with his family, proves why he’s one of the game’s greats—someone who can not only win but truly appreciate what each moment brings.
Rondo’s unwavering determination was indisputable throughout his career, from his pivotal role in the Celtics’ championship triumph to his invaluable contributions to the Lakers’ success during the pandemic. His leadership extended beyond the court, with his veteran presence helping to shape championship-winning teams.
Rondo’s journey isn’t just about winning; it’s about showing resilience in the face of adversity, rising to challenges, and proving that true excellence is nurtured in every moment, not just celebrated in victory. His legacy is a true testament to perseverance and greatness.