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.

PlayerYears in Los AngelesYears in Boston
Chucky Atkins20052004
Jim Barnes1967-681969-70
Brandon Bass20162012-15
Mike Bloom19491948
Vander Blue2015-182014
Avery Bradley20202011-17
Frank Brickowski19871997
MarShon Brooks20142014
Don Chaney1977-781969-75, 1978-80
Mel Counts1967-741965-66
Hank Finkel19671970-75
Rick Fox1998-041992-97
Bob McAdoo1982-851979
Troy Murphy20122011
Don Nelson1964-651966-76
Shaquille O'Neal1997-042011
Gary Payton20042005
Rajon Rondo2019-202007-15
Charlie Scott19781976-78
Brian Shaw2000-031989-92
Derek Strong19962002
Gene Stump19501948-49
Earl Tatum1977-781979
Von Wafer20062011
Kermit Washington1974-781978
Shammond Williams20072003

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

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.