As an old adage goes: "A picture can paint a thousand words."
Social media sites were up and about on Thursday after franchise players Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers were spotted having breakfast at The Paramount in Boston.
As early as November, news about Rondo's departure from Beantown has circulated after the team's failure to meet negotiation deals for the past two years now. And given the departure of long-time teammates Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, it is not a surprise for the four-time NBA All-Star to follow suit.
Pundits have called on the Los Angeles Lakers to be Rondo's next destination, mainly banking on the fact that current point guard Jeremy Lin may leave after this season, given that he only has one more playing year left in his contract.
Now, the buzz behind the highly talked about would-be deal has gotten louder after Rondo and Bryant's mini get-together.
In a report by the New York Post, the timing of their breakfast meet-up could not have been more perfect, as both their teams are slated to meet each other on Friday night. The photograph was tweeted ESPN and Boston Globe writer Baxter Holmes, which was taken by Reddit user "stiverina."
The report also adds that Rondo and Bryant already share a mutual respect for each other, although it is a kind of respect that goes against the conventional wisdom.
"From what I understand, he's an a-hole, like me," Bryant was quoted saying.
But in all seriousness, the five-time NBA champion had some complimenting words towards the younger Rondo, noting that the Celtics stand-out had greatly impressed him through the numbers he has produced, along with his overall attitude towards the game.
"Everything. I love his attitude, I love his chippiness, his edge, his intellect, his know-it-allness," Bryant says. "All of it. That's what makes championship players."
Rondo, of course, received "The Black Mamba's" words warmly, including the "a-hole" comment.
"That's a great compliment, coming from Kobe. I feel the same way about him."
