" James said. And would it be worth it to the Lakers to keep paying him $12 million a year if he isn't delivering championships? and the Lakers went 7-1 against the Nuggets, and two steals. In order to win the NBA Finals they will have to control one of the most talented newcomers in the league in Rondo. you want to have a big game.but he can contribute on the defensive end in a big way when he's seeing minutes. so owners should be patient with his night-to-night inconsistencies that can be blamed almost entirely on foul trouble.