There are rumblings among rival front offices that Rondo might just be the personality type to forego a five-year deal with the Mavs for a four-year deal with the team of his choice -- the Lakers.

Rondo, who is averaging 9 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds since being acquired by theMavericks, was recently suspended for one game by the Mavericks for "conduct detrimental to the team" after an on court blow up with head coach Rick Carlisle. It has been reported that the 8-year veteran is "extremely unlikely" to re-sign with Dallas.

Rondo is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, free to sign with the team of his choice, although the Mavericks hold his Bird Right's, and thus can offer him the most money and a fifth year on his upcoming contract.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak stated recently that the Lakers would not "jeopardize the next five or seven years" to "bring in old veterans that make a lot of money" in an attempt to build a competitive team in what will likely be Kobe Bryant's final season.