On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers started Julius Randle for the first time all season. What made Luke Walton make this change?
Coming into their game on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers were really struggling. With a tough schedule in the month of December, the Lakers have won just three games.
Seeing a need for change, Luke Walton decided to make a major shakeup to the starting lineup. Instead of starting Larry Nance Jr. like he has been for nearly the entire season, Walton ended up starting Julius Randle for the first time all season.
For most of his career, Randle has been a starter in the NBA. However, to start the season, Walton made the decision to bring Randle off the bench. Despite being one of the most productive and consistent players on the team, minutes have been hard to come by for Randle.
So far this season, Randle is averaging just 22.1 minutes per game. Despite having his most efficient season in the NBA, Randle has shockingly played the fewest minutes per game in his entire career.
Since the Lakers have really been struggling, Walton decided that it was a good time to make the switch. Here’s what he said about the move to Corey Hansford of LakersNation.com.
"“We’ve been losing games, and Julius has been great for us this whole season, so wanted to give him a chance in there,” head coach Luke Walton said following the Lakers’ 121-106 loss. “If we had won five out of six, we probably would’ve kept it how it is.”"
Randle performed well in the starting lineup against the Clippers despite the tough matchup against DeAndre Jordan. Even though Randle gives up a lot of size against Jordan, he worked very hard on both ends and didn’t back down from the challenge.
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In the loss, Randle ended up totaling 17 points and seven rebounds in just under 30 minutes played. As shown all season, Randle flat out produces when he is on the court. Even though the Lakers lost, Randle certainly performed well enough to earn another start. With their next game being on New Year’s Eve against the Houston Rockets, it will be interesting to see what happens for the Lakers in their starting five.