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Lakers: Julius Randle Has Plans to Become ‘Great’ This Offseason

By Eric Yee

Apr 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) speaks to Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) speaks to Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Lakers’ season may have just ended but Julius Randle already has his eyes set on improving in the offseason

So much of the hoopla from this season surrounded the Kobe Bryant Farewell Tour that the development of the Lakers’ young stars was often put on the back burner. So much so that even head coach, Byron Scott, admitted that “he could have done better,” with the pieces primed to be the future of the Purple and Gold.

That said, of the three young players — Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell — it seems that Kobe Bryant‘s legendary work ethic has rubbed off the most on the University of Kentucky product, Randle. Only a week removed from their final game and the 21 year old has already devoted himself to becoming “great” in the offseason.

In a recent interview with LA Daily News’, Mark Medina, Randle didn’t shy away from the challenge that next year will present saying,

"It’s up to me on how good I want to be . . .I’ll come back better than I can imagine next year. There’s a lot of areas in my game I can work on. I’ll leave it up to myself to get better in those areas this summer."

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Medina points out that, despite the fact that fans have been begging for him to develop his right hand, and more so, his outside shot, Randle is more focused on the defensive side of the ball, which isn’t a necessarily a bad thing.

“Individually, I love that challenge because I love competition. . . It’s more off the ball and not falling asleep.”

However, the biggest insight came when Randle discussed his isolation heavy approach to the game, which fans have been critical of since he first put on the Purple and Gold.

"I’m trying so hard to win or make the right play.It comes off as me being selfish. But I’m used to being the guy when things get rough. You do it yourself. We’ve all been in this position on the team. We have to play for each other, change our way of thinking and learn how to scheme together."

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His acknowledgement paired with his insistence on working to change this flaw speaks to his growth since entering the league.

This is to say, despite only playing one full season in the association, Randle has shown leaps and bounds in his maturity in even the past week alone.

While we’ll never really know truly how much of an effect it had on Randle, it seems that Kobe’s last game really lit a fire under him.

The fact that Kobe was able to go out there and show them all what they’ve seen him do so many times before in his last ever performance obviously struck a chord with the youngster.

Next: 5 Best Moments From the 2015-2016 Season

Next season is likely going to be another trying year for the Los Angeles Lakers, but with their current core, and hopefully a top three draft selection, greatness could be just around the corner for the once proud franchise.

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