The Los Angeles Lakers have battled plenty of injuries these last few seasons and hope their fortunes change moving forward. Jordan Clarkson was the most consistent player down the stretch and was rewarded with an All-Rookie First Team selection.
-== 5 Determining Factors for Lakers’ Julius Randle’s Future ==-
The Lakers could have two candidates for rookie of the year with the second overall pick and the return of Julius Randle. Last year’s seventh overall pick will likely get his first opportunity to play competitively at the Las Vegas Summer League.
Randle has already been cleared for full contact drills and the Kentucky Wildcat feels like he has returned to form. According to Bill Oram of the OC Register, Randle feels like he’s back at 100 percent:
"Asked if he was 100 percent yet, Randle said, “I believe I am. The last time I checked probably about a month ago, the bone was 95 percent healed. I feel great.”"
The Lakers will be extra cautious with Randle this off-season because there is no reason to rush him back to the floor. The regular season starts in late October so the Lakers can take their time with Randle. The Lakers need their draft picks to pan out and they must make sure they can keep them healthy.
If all goes as planned, these group of players have an opportunity to develop individually, but more importantly grow as a cohesive unit. Teams like the Spurs and Warriors have drafted well and their core of players have chemistry after playing together for a few years.