NBA Finals 2020: Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo has the opportunity to make unique history

Kyle Irving

NBA Finals 2020: Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo has the opportunity to make unique history image

While we just missed out on a league-leading 13th NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, there's still history that could be made in this year's title matchup.

As the Lakers pursue their 17th NBA championship to tie the Celtics for most in league history, veteran guard Rajon Rondo has a chance to make his own piece of history.

Of 26 players in NBA history that have played for both Los Angeles and Boston, no one has ever won a title with both franchises.

Four wins stand between Rondo and the incredible distinction.

I know what you're thinking – what about Shaquille O'Neal? His title hopes with the Celtics came up short in 2011. What about the Lakers' Avery Bradley this season? He was drafted in 2011 after Boston had already won the 2008 NBA title.

Take a look at the rather interesting list of players that have played for both franchises.

Player Years in Los Angeles Years in Boston
Chucky Atkins 2005 2004
Jim Barnes 1967-68 1969-70
Brandon Bass 2016 2012-15
Mike Bloom 1949 1948
Vander Blue 2015-18 2014
Avery Bradley 2020 2011-17
Frank Brickowski 1987 1997
MarShon Brooks 2014 2014
Don Chaney 1977-78 1969-75, 1978-80
Mel Counts 1967-74 1965-66
Hank Finkel 1967 1970-75
Rick Fox 1998-04 1992-97
Bob McAdoo 1982-85 1979
Troy Murphy 2012 2011
Don Nelson 1964-65 1966-76
Shaquille O'Neal 1997-04 2011
Gary Payton 2004 2005
Rajon Rondo 2019-20 2007-15
Charlie Scott 1978 1976-78
Brian Shaw 2000-03 1989-92
Derek Strong 1996 2002
Gene Stump 1950 1948-49
Earl Tatum 1977-78 1979
Von Wafer 2006 2011
Kermit Washington 1974-78 1978
Shammond Williams 2007 2003

This is a unique opportunity for Rondo to solidify himself a place in the heart of both legendary franchises that typically have no love for one another's players. Should Rondo earn his second ring with the Los Angeles, he'll surely be forever loved by both the fans of the Purple and Gold and the fans that bleed Kelly Green.

It's another potential resume booster for a player on the brink of a Hall of Fame case.

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Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.