It’s official. The Lakers are reporting a broken tibia for Randle. Timetable is uncertain, as is whether the injury will require surgery.
There's concern by the Lakers that Randle has fractured his lower right leg. It would be a season-ender.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 29, 2014
Byron announces that rookie Julius Randle suffered a broken tibia. He’s currently being transferred to the hospital.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 29, 2014
Things could not have gotten any worse for the Lakers. In a blowout game on opening night, Julius Randle went down late in the fourth quarter and early signs are not good.
According to TV reports, Randle suffered a broken leg. No official word from Lakers though
— janis carr (@janiscarr) October 29, 2014
#Lakers medical staff tells me Julius Randle has broken his leg. Awful to see him carted off here.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 29, 2014
Randle went down and could not move his leg, showing visible discomfort any time it was touched. The Lakers players huddled around Randle, as well as the medical staff and medics at the court. However, it was evident that Randle was not in good shape.
The medical staff wrapped Randle’s leg in an aircast, fully immobilizing it. A host of Lakers, including Carlos Boozer, Kobe Bryant, and Jordan Hill hoisted Randle onto a stretcher, where he was taken off the court.
Early indications, however, are not good for Randle’s recovery.
JULIUS RANDLE. I worry this is Paul George injury!!
— Dr. Robert Klapper (@DrRobertKlapper) October 29, 2014
There’s no official word from the Lakers, but it seems all but official. This is devastating news for the Lakers, who were very high on Randle’s play this season following a great preseason from the rookie. At 19 years old, it’s hard to see a player like Randle taken off the court as such, but there is certainly plenty of time for a comeback.
Stay tuned to Lake Show Life for more official news when it’s released.