Rajon Rondo trade: Lakers dealing veteran guard to Cavaliers for Denzel Valentine, per reports

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the best stories of this strange NBA season, and as the calendar turns to 2022 they sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference at 20-14. But earlier this week they suffered a major loss when veteran point guard Ricky Rubio went down with a torn ACL that will keep him out for the rest of the season. In need of another point guard -- in particular, a veteran to help with their young roster -- the Cavaliers have made a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire Rajon Rondo, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Cleveland is sending Denzel Valentine to Los Angeles for Rondo, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Lakers are reportedly expected to waive Valentine to create an open roster.

Rondo, who entered the league's health and safety protocols on Dec. 26, has struggled so far with the Lakers, putting up just 3.1 points and 3.7 assists per game on 32.4 percent shooting from the field and 26.7 percent shooting from 3-point land. At this stage of his career, he isn't the most exciting acquisition and will be a downgrade on Rubio. But the Cavaliers don't have too many options in the middle of the season, and Rondo will at least bring some similar qualities. He's still a capable defender who will fit in with the Cavaliers' defense-first style, and will always be able to run an offense.

Rondo is excited about the chance to play a bigger role with an emerging Cavs team, per Wojnarowski. He's reportedly viewed the trade in a positive light ever since it's been mentioned to him.