Lakers Ryan Kelly gets fouled by Mavricks Rajon Rondo during first half action at Staples Center Sunday, April 12, 2015. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News )

The two star players report to remain close. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Dallas guard Rajon Rondo have affectionately called each other “a–holes” as another way of praising the other’s unyielding competitiveness.

But with Bryant having breakfast with Rondo in December when he played with the Boston Celtics, did the two have any plans to reconnect before or after the Lakers’ 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at Staples Center.

“No,” Rondo said. “He bailed on me again this time.”

Rondo reported the same thing happened before the Lakers’ loss to the Mavericks on March 8 at Staples Center. Bryant has publicly said he would recruit Rondo, gushing over his championship experience with the Boston Celtics, his passing ability and his basketball smarts. But if Bryant wants Rondo to join the Lakers so much once he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, why is the Lakers’ star standing up his friend?

“I don’t know,” Rondo said. “I called and left a couple of voice mails. But he didn’t respond.”

Rondo said the comments with a half-joking manner, making it hard to know if this actually took place or if the Mavericks guard is just staying coy. But Rondo kept a straight face on whether Bryant’s apparent flakiness will prompt him to answer his phone if the Lakers’ star calls during free agency.

“No,” Rondo said. “There’s two missed calls.”

So would they talk at all this summer?

“I don’t know,” Rondo said, smiling. “I might change my number by then. We’ll see.”

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