Three months into his first true NBA season and Julius Randl is finally coming into his own
The Los Angeles Lakers’ No. 7-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Julius Randle, has blossomed of late, becoming a top-five rebounding forward in the league while improving his poor shooting that plagued him earlier this year. Yet, amid a near-historic losing streak and reports of rising frustration in the Lakers locker room, Randle’s progress has been somewhat overshadowed.
Over his last 14 games Randle has averaging a double-double with 12 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He’s been a force on the glass and his energy has resulted in numerous saved possessions and second-chance opportunities that don’t get on the stat sheet.
In fact, Randle has been a rebounding force all season, averaging more rebounds (9.7) than any other sophomore in the league. However, he had been struggling mighty with his shooting touch all season, converting on 41.6 percent of his shots, a low figure for someone who generally plays around the basket. Moreover, the Kentucky product has been errant from mid-range all season, shooting just 25 percent from 8-16 feet.
However, Since Larry Nance Jr. injured his knee on Jan. 16, Randle has thrived as a starter, improving his jump shot mechanics and slowly developing a mid-range jump shot that he had abandoned entirely for most of the season.
Randle's jumper has been excellent tonight https://t.co/SC48fJJbHJ
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 27, 2016
While this could be just another temporary hot streak, the insertion back into the starting lineup coincides quite well with Randle’s uptick in scoring efficiency. Since Nance’s injury, he has boosted his shooting percentage to 50 percent and has improved markedly in his mid-range game.
Even if Randle soon reverts to his season averages, we should expect him to see his minutes grow, even when Nance returns to health. Head coach Byron Scott has been under fierce criticism regarding his handling of the Lakers’ young core, as many feel he’s being too rigid and discouraging they’re development. Between that and the Lakers abysmal 11-41 record, Scott is reportedly fighting for his job the rest of the season, which should likely result in more minutes for both Randle and D’Angelo Russell.
Presumably, this would also include a return to the starting lineup for Randle, who has been thriving in the role. If the 21-year-old forward can continue to improve his jumper throughout the rest of the season, a full summer of work could make an impact on his mid-range game by next year. Considering he already has impressive quickness and strength, that could be easily translate to prolonged success as on offensive threat in this league.
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But for now, we do what the Lakers faithful do best these days: We hope.