Julius Randle
Recent reports have informed us that Julius Randle is on the trading block. From the way he played yesterday, however, the team might be rethinking that.
In his game against the Mavs, Julius scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. He also shot an excellent 60 percent from the floor and 83.3 percent from the line. What was most impressive though, was that Julius was able to put up his numbers in 34 minutes – including overtime – and while battling foul trouble.
Although Randle may be gone by next season, if the Lakers want to use him to his fullest extent they should keep him in the starting lineup. After being ‘frustrated‘ about not starting earlier in the season, he has finally found a way to insert himself back into the lineup.
As a starter this season, Julius averages 16.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. The numbers are not out of this world, but are better than 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists – his averages as a reserve.
Lastly, Randle has been in the starting lineup for every game during the team’s current win streak. Keeping him in that lineup may increase the chances of extending that streak.