Julius Randle, a Lakers Rehab Update

Julius Randle has been out since game one of the regular season.  He showed tremendous promise during the preseason.  Early on, he looked to attack the basket often, but over the course of the next two weeks, developed a mid-range jumpshot that looked surprisingly consistent.  

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What hurts the Laker fans during this season is the lack of hope or promise the season brings.  The losing early on already led to a change in the starting line up.  Quality scorers in Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer were placed to the bench, as the Lakers are the worst in the league at defense, with a defensive rating of 113.7, last in the league.

Julius Randle, gave this season hope.  He’s been off crutches for over a week.

"“The doctor said, ‘Go at your own pace,’” Randle said. “My pace was to get rid of them immediately.”"

In addition to walking without crutches, Randle has also been working out on the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill in order to start regaining the strength in his leg. However, he also claims that his work on the mental side of the game has been a priority alongside maintaining physical fitness.

"“There are things that I know I need to work on, and (I’m) just watching how guys take care of their body throughout the course of a season, stuff like that,” Randle said. “It’s little things that I know will help me next year for  sure.” – Joey Ramirez, Randle Gives Rehab Update, Lakers.com"

The Lakers have been a .500 team since Nick Young’s return.  Despite the new faces and new coaching staff, it’s surprising the Lakers are doing this well with a relatively healthy team.  Xavier Henry, Ryan Kelly, and Steve Nash are still out with injuries, with Henry and Nash out for the season.

But would be interesting what a healthy Laker team can do.  If Nick Young can get the Lakers to .500 basketball, could a healthy team get the Lakers to the playoffs?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.