Lakers: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for Julius Randle Next Season

Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Worst Case Scenario

For Julius Randle, the worst case scenario would be a season defined by stagnation. While Randle showed flashes of brilliance last season, failing to improve over the offseason would be a huge disappointment.

If Randle returns without an improved jumper, his offensive value will be severely limited. A failure to improve on offense would also limit his overall impact, and could force his coach to play him less minutes throughout the season.

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A lack of improvement on the defensive side, or even regression, would also be hugely problematic for the young player. If his lack of consistent effort on defense carries over into his second full season, there will be concerns over his ability to ever develop into a truly disruptive player on that end of the floor.

Additionally, Randle could be in serious trouble if he fails to adapt to the new system. Insisting on being a ball-stopper and playing isolation ball could really harm his development and the team as a whole. While he possesses the potential to be a solid playmaker at power forward, a resistance to passing could make the season an abject failure.

If Randle fails to become more consistent on both ends of the floor, continuing to play in spurts rather than maintaining his effort and production throughout the game, this season will be considered a failure. Additionally, entering the season without additional polish on every aspect of his game would be quite disappointing.

Next: Most Likely Scenario

Schedule