Lakers: 3 Takeaways From the Preseason Loss vs Portland Trailblazers
By Eric Yee
Julius Randle Shows Signs of Progress
In the first half of the contest, it was the same frustrating brand of basketball that we’ve seen from Julius Randle on more occasion than one: relying solely on his physicality to get points and rebounds, being a ball stopper in the half court, being too selfish on the fast break.
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However, in the second half, he seemed to be a completely different player. Contesting and blocking shots on the defensive end, hitting shooters on the fast break and setting solid screens, it was like night and day.
In the offseason, it was assumed that Walton would try to have Randle fit into the Draymond Green role for the Lakers and if it continues his progression, he could be on his way to doing just that.
Yes, Randle has a lot to work on before even being in the same conversation as Green, but the work he put into his jumpshot this off season is another encouraging sign. Though he’s not completely confident in shooting it yet, he is willing to shoot it, and that’s more than can be said for last year.
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Randle definitely needs to keep progressing, paying specific attention to how his ball stopping negatively affects the team, but Tuesday night’s contest was an impressive step in the right direction.