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Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle discusses frustrations early in season

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers big man Julius Randle discussed his early-season frustrations about his role change.

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a so-so start thus far this season. They have started the season 2-4, as their offense has been inconsistent at best. One positive is that their defense has been solid thus far, an area they put a lot of focus on in the offseason.

One reason for the inconsistency is the Lakers still try to gel together. Their projected starting lineup didn’t play a minute together in the preseason because of injury. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was suspended the first two games of the season, causing yet another change to the rotation.

It is difficult enough to build chemistry and cohesion when healthy. When you have players in and out of the lineup, it is nearly impossible.

As a result, head coach Luke Walton has tinkered with the lineup throughout the first six games. It is safe to say the only players with cemented roles in the lineup are rookie point guard Lonzo Ball and second-year small forward, Brandon Ingram. Other than that, things are pretty fluid.

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One of those players with a fluid role is power forward, Julius Randle. Randle has been a starter for the majority of his career, as he was in the starting lineup in 133 of 156 games played coming into the season, including 73 of 74 games last season.

However, with all the new players in town, Walton decided that Randle was best coming off the bench. It was something that didn’t sit well with Randle, who played some poor basketball in the early going.

The first two games of the season, Randle looked uninterested and unmotivated. He provided no spark or production for the Lakers, as they were better off keeping him glued to the bench.

In the third game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans, something clicked and Randle looked like a different player. He helped fuel the Lakers comeback from a 20+ point deficit and has looked like a different player since then.

Randle looks to be settling into his role off the bench. He has thrived as the small ball center, as his athleticism and ball handling give him a distinct advantage over other big men. He also has the size to bang inside, as he is averaging five rebounds per game in only 19.3 minutes. Randle is also shooting an efficient 60 percent from the field and providing a defensive presence with 1.3 blocks per game.

Randle seems to be coming around about the role change, but It was clearly something that bothered him the first two games of the season. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times caught up with Randle, who discussed his frustrations with the change early in the season.

"“It’s just the frustration of just trying to figure out what you gotta do to be out there helping,” Randle told The Times. “Obviously every player they feel like they give their team the best chance to win. That’s all it was. Just wanting to be out there and help us win games.”"

The changes that Randle made to his body in the offseason are evident with his newfound rim protection. He is also in a better place mentally, as he is no longer showing a negative attitude.

The Lakers could make a change down the road, but right now Randle looks to be getting comfortable coming off the bench. He could end up in the starting lineup eventually, but he is performing so well right now with the second unit, it would make no sense to disrupt that currently.

Only good things can happen for Randle with an improved attitude. He is looking to cash in next summer, so showing he is capable of being an integral bench piece could increase his value.

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No team wants to have a selfish player, which Randle was portraying in the first two games. Since then he has looked like the consummate teammate, something teams will take notice of down the road.

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