The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 106-93 on Sunday night to win the 2020 NBA Championship. There were many images from the postgame celebration that will live on in infamy, but perhaps none more so than one of Rajon Rondo and his young son on the court.
In the photo, Rondo and his boy can be seen sitting amidst fallen confetti, basking in the moment, with two giant bottles beside them. At one point, Rondo’s son reaches over, picks a bottle up, and starts drinking from it.
Rondo and his son soaking it in ❤🏆 pic.twitter.com/H2LIuRmwTw
— ESPN (@espn) October 12, 2020
Heartwarming moment between father and son notwithstanding, fans at home had a fairly obvious question: what was inside that bottle?
It couldn’t be champagne, right?
People at home had varying takes.
KCP givin Rondo’s son a lil 🍾 in the background 🤣🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/8s9aFqhwdX
— Alex Palomino (@uncle_stick) October 12, 2020
Rondo had 2 bottles in front of him. Don’t see why he would have 2 bottles of alcohol, but it makes sense that one was sparkling apple cider for his son. People refuse to use logical thinking.
— cafe (@blaqcafe) October 12, 2020
why are you promoting underage drinking ESPN
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) October 12, 2020
Oh it’s sparkling cider … carry on young bull🤣🤣
— Naé (@Red_8210) October 12, 2020
Ayo pic.twitter.com/w0d740a5hF
— Non-Casual Sports Fan (@NonCasualFan) October 12, 2020
I don’t think his son should be drinking that😂
— Delson Hill #RespawnRecruits (@IITasteClipzII) October 12, 2020
🤔that’s sparkling cider, right…? pic.twitter.com/dbmICbWkd3
— Adam Velasquez (@AdamtheIDBanker) October 12, 2020
Ayo what he sippin on tho 😂 pic.twitter.com/mo6nYKq8uL
— Lebron Alliance 🏀 (@LebronAlliance) October 12, 2020
— Tsukuyomi🥀 (@itsnotleon) October 12, 2020
Tf his son drinking???
— Nick🔥⚡️ (MIAMI HEAT EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS) (@Nickheat3) October 12, 2020
He slick 😂 pic.twitter.com/fmSDH07qRM
— Spike (@DripToMyLou) October 12, 2020
Wait pic.twitter.com/fRZH2PcijR
— Zach (@partyarty02) October 12, 2020
The mystery of what was in the bottle aside, Rondo had a tremendous night on Sunday. His hot start played a huge role in why the Lakers got off to a big lead against Miami and ultimately never looked back. In the first half, he recorded 13 points on 6 of 6 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. In the second quarter alone he went 4 for 4 as the Lakers outscored the Heat 36-16.
Thanks to his efforts, LA went into halftime with a 64-36 lead.
What a year. https://t.co/aXauCkoKLW
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 10, 2020
Rondo finished the game with 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal in 30 minutes of action. He actually recorded more playing time off the bench in Game 6 than starter Danny Green.
“I got to compete against Kobe Bryant when I was 21,” Rondo said after the game.
“So, his game and his legacy speaks for itself. Me being a kid from Louisville, Kentucky, to be able to compete with Kobe two years into the league, understand and learn so much from him by watching his film and studying his film, it’s definitely an honor.
In case you’re wondering why Bronny is trending. https://t.co/RHyy4cNDpU
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 12, 2020
“And to come full circle to win in his honor, his daughter’s honor, unbelievable season that we’ve had. And to be able to prevail and stay focused and continue to get the job done, I know something, he’s definitely smiling down on us. We’re able to fulfill our dream and succeed with the championship.”
With the victory, Rondo became the second player after Clyde Lovellette to win a championship with both the Lakers and Boston Celtics.
Related: Fans Turn On Tyler Herro After Heat’s Game 6 Collapse
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
