Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Analysis of Julius Randle after two seasons in the NBA

By Matthew Babic

Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts during overtime of a NBA game at the Staples Center. LA Lakers won 130-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts during overtime of a NBA game at the Staples Center. LA Lakers won 130-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Jan 5, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton speaks with forward Julius Randle (30) during the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaways

In sum, over the past two seasons, Randle has enhanced various parts of his game. In terms of his shooting, he increased his overall field goal percentage by roughly five percent and has also shot eight percent better at the rim. Further, the 22-year-old converted lay-ups in the paint nine percent more efficiently this year. Julius also shot better from mid-range, most significantly shooting 27 percent better from 10-16 feet away.

Randle also improved his passing game as he averaged just under two more assists per game this season compared to last, while also assisting his teammates 8.4 percent more while on the floor than in the 2015-2016 season, while only marginally increasing his turnover rate.

In addition, the power forward continues to fight hard on the glass, particularly on the offensive glass where he ranks in the top 20 of offensive rebounders in the NBA.

Next: Who do the Lakers land in our complete first round mock draft?

However, there are also a few elements of Randle’s game that would benefit him greatly if improved. Firstly, although Randle is shooting better at the rim, he lacks a diverse post game which often limits him to left-handed lay-ups or dunks for his points inside. Another area in which Randle struggled is from the three-point line in which he has failed to shoot over 30 percent in either of his first two seasons. Lastly, the largest area of concern thus far is his sub par defensive play as he is among the bottom tier in defensive rating and continues to allow opponents to shot a better percentage from the field than that of the league average on nearly all areas on the floor.

Future Outlook

Overall, Julius Randle has indeed improved this year in comparison to last season as evidenced by his more efficient scoring, enhanced passing ability, developing mid-range game, and his knack for getting after it on the glass. In the future, if he continues to work on his defensive execution and develops a respectable three-point shot he has the potential to become a force in the league.

*Statistical data courtesy of basketball-reference.com, foxsports.com, and nba.com*

Home/Lakers News