Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Most important questions in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Magic Johnson speaks at Kobe Bryant's jersey retirement ceremony during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 01: Julius Randle /

1. Should they re-sign Julius Randle, who is having a highly productive season?

This is one of the most controversial questions. Randle is an restricted free agent after this season. Many fans have assumed he will not be with the team next season, and all sorts of trade scenarios have surfaced, most without merit. But the fact is that Randle is having an excellent season, first coming off the bench, and more recently as a starter. He provides scoring and rebounding along with energy and a physicality that is not easy to replace.

Randle is often criticized because his mediocre outside shot does not stretch the floor. But at age 23 he likely has not yet peaked and most of his game, including his jump shot, will still only get better. He is somewhat reminiscent of Paul Millsap, who steadily improved to become a 4-time All Star beginning at age 28. Many teams are undoubtedly salivating at the idea of gobbling Randle up if they Lakers let him go.

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