Best Case Scenario
Fortunately for the Lakers, the best case scenario for Julius Randle is not at all an unlikely one. However, it will require Randle to improve a few key aspects of his game and to willingly fit into the team’s new system.
Firstly, Randle will need to demonstrate significant improvement on his jump-shot. Although he should not be expected to develop three-point range in a single off-season, he most certainly should be a reliable option from mid-range.
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This will allow him to be a more efficient scorer in isolation, as well as a more valuable option in the pick and roll. It will also help him to be more patient on the offensive end, giving him an alternative to simply charging headlong towards the rim.
The best outcome for the Lakers will be for Randle to become a central part of Luke Walton’s offense. Playing a similar role to Draymond Green, he would be given the ball regularly out of the high pick-and-roll. This would give Randle the opportunity to use his impressive vision to make plays from the middle of the floor, as well as allow him to use his quickness to attack the rim in space.
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While it will take time for Randle to learn the offense and become comfortable in this role, it definitely allows him to play to his strengths. Randle’s ability to adapt to his new coach’s system will be key to his development.
Randle will also need to make other minor tweaks to his offensive game. For instance, securing the ball throughout his shot will be important, as he struggled with getting the ball stripped throughout the season. Learning to finish more smoothly and to use his body to shield the ball from defenders will also make him a more effective offensive player.
Perhaps most importantly, however, for this season to be considered a success, Randle must make a large improvement on the defensive end. The tough forward showed plenty of flashes on that end last year, using his unique combination of strength and quickness to frustrate offensive players.
Despite this, Randle was far from a consistent defender, and the Lakers will need him to be just that in the future. In the best case scenario, Randle will put his physical tools to good use and become an effective defender capable of guarding several positions. Combined with his current dominance on the boards, this would make Randle an imposing force in every facet of the game.
Next: Worst Case Scenario