Lakers forward Julius Randle made his debut at the Drew League this past week, continuing to fill the offseason with more basketball
As the Los Angeles Lakers played in Las Vegas at NBA Summer League, the pieces of the young core that were on the roster almost all did things to impress. D’Angelo Russell looked like a star, Larry Nance Jr. continued to work his tail off until he was injured, and rookie Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac both showed real flashes. However, one of the biggest pieces of the young core in forward Julius Randle.
Randle elected not to play with the Lakers at Summer League, but he’s not been just sitting on his hands all summer. In addition to later traveling to Vegas to practice with the USA Select Team, Randle also made his debut at the Drew League earlier this week.
The Kentucky product suited up as a member of The Problems in a losing effort in Week 10 of the Drew League, his first time competing there. Here’s a look at some of his highlights from the outing:
Looking at Randle if you’re the Lakers, there is so much obvious talent from the forward. He’s built like a boulder made of muscle with great instincts as a rebounder and a nice ability to finish at the rim.
However, what’s concerning about Randle are highlights like these from the Drew League. Despite the high-caliber players playing in the competition, Randle shouldn’t be out here trying to bully these guys in an amateur competition. This is an ideal time for him to be working on his off-hand, his jump shot, and his decision-making—all areas he needs to address this offseason—rather than just doing what he’s been doing against worse competition.
Again, there is definite value to having Randle on the roster because he does so many things well. But he’s got to start showing more some time soon and playing the exact same way that he always has in his Drew League debut isn’t going to get that done.