There remains a distinct possibility that the Los Angeles Lakers will be the torchbearers for the old school and sign the pass-first Rajon Rondo to a free-agent contract this summer.
But what should be made clear, according to team sources, is that Lakers co-owner Jim Buss is not the believer he was earlier in the season when it comes to Rondo, and general manager Mitch Kupchak is toting enough healthy skepticism that he sees Rondo as value only at a certain low price.
The Lakers have higher priorities when it comes to spending their precious 2015 salary-cap space. They are hopeful of buying a foundational piece—something they aren't convinced Rondo is.