Lakers Offseason: Breaking Down Julius Randle’s Offensive Strengths

Ability To Finish Through Contact

Because of his lack of a reliable jumper, defenses often stacked the paint, daring Randle to shoot uncontested shots. Nonetheless, Julius often insisted on trying to score in clogged paint areas by outmuscling his opponents.

In the play below, Randle performs an acrobatic move and creates space in the already jammed paint through his brute strength. While he certainly did not take a high percentage shot, the fact that he was able to make baskets like these all season is an encouraging sign.

Ability to Push the Ball in Transition

Watching Julius Randle push the ball in the open court was one of the most exciting parts of an otherwise disastrous Lakers season. In addition to his aforementioned strength and power, Randle displayed precocious ball-handling skills unique to somebody of his build in the fast break.

In this play against the Dallas Mavericks, Randle decides to push the ball down the court on his own accord instead of passing it off to guards in Kobe Bryant, D’Angelo Russell, or Jordan Clarkson following the rebound.

As a result, Julius faces a favorable matchup against Dirk Nowitzki, and takes full advantage to the tune of an powerful dunk.

Next: Mobility, Speed and Rebounding Prowess