Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: First Quarter Player Grades

PF/C Julius Randle

Julius Randle has shown glimpses of what he could be, but he still has not drastically improved his game. He still remains one dimensional on offense, using his left hand way too often and always (and usually only) in the post. Randle still has not developed a consistent 3-point shot or even mid-range shot. In a league now buzzing with stretch fours, Randle might be left out of the potluck.

Randle is making his money off the bench, where he is making his bread and better. Randle is one of the only players in the league as of the moment to average 12 points and six rebounds while playing under 23 minutes a game.

He has been burned on many miscues. The most notable terrible performance from Randle was when he faced up against Philadelphia 76ers rising star Joel Embiid, who burned him with a 46 point performance. Embiid also joked that he was going at only 69% at [Randle].

LaVar Ball recently called out Julius for his lack of presence in the final minutes against the Golden State Warriors when Draymond Green out-rebounded both him and Brandon Ingram after a free throw miss of Stephen Curry.

Randle still has plenty of upside. Whether off the bench or as the small-ball center, Randle can dominate opposing match-ups with his physical play in the post and his playmaking abilities as a point forward.