Ex-Lakers Champ Sends Clear Message to NBA Teams With Coaching Opportunities

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As the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs approaches, just a couple of teams have head coach vacancies. As the first round concludes, the number can grow, which could be a good opportunity for the former Los Angeles Lakers guard, Rajon Rondo.

Currently, Rondo is viewed as a top candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans.

As Rondo’s head-coaching chances grow, a quote from the former star guard has resurfaced, sending a clear message to teams interested in his services as a vocal leader.

“I know I can do it now,” Rondo told The Athletic in March. “I have the discipline, preparation and, obviously, it’s about having the right people around you. I feel like I know who I am, and I know the people I can trust in this business for the most part. I’ve had a lot of great mentors, a lot of people rooting for me. I definitely think I’ll be ready to go.”

The Teams With Openings

Right now, the Pelicans and the Bulls are the only teams that are actively looking for a new head coach. Rondo’s latest club, the Milwaukee Bucks, reportedly agreed to hire an experienced voice in Taylor Jenkins.

Rondo hasn’t officially been named an assistant for any team since entering the coaching space. He helped coach with Doc Rivers in Milwaukee on a part-time basis, but he’s just now getting serious consideration outside of Rivers.

The Pelicans haven’t operated like it, but they are seen as a rebuilding franchise. Perhaps, they’ll embrace that path soon enough. Either way, New Orleans presents a challenging gig for a coach with any level of experience.

Rondo’s History In The NBA

Coaches making the leap from playing to head coach without any prior experience isn’t typical, but it’s not totally rare either.

Former players like JJ Redick, Steve Nash, and Jason Kidd have taken that path. Two of them are still active in the coaching space.

Rondo brings plenty of NBA experience to the table. He entered the league in 2006 with the Boston Celtics and played in nearly 1,000 regular-season games.

The star guard was a part of 10 playoff runs, and won two championships as a player. His first title run came in 2008 with the Celtics. His second and final championship journey came in 2020 with the Lakers.