Julius Randle Dominates
When the season began, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Julius Randle would be traded away from the Lakers at some point. Randle had been involved in trade rumors all offseason and looked out of place with the Lakers bringing him off the bench.
After the first two games, something clicked for Randle. He played well off the bench and saw his role grow as the season went on. Eventually, he was placed back into the starting lineup and things really took off.
Randle has been producing for the Lakers all season long. He has showcased an improved efficiency offensively, continues to be a great rebounder and is an improved defender. Randle is growing into his own and continued his dominance on the road trip.
In the five games, Randle averaged 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists in only 29 minutes per game. He is making 55 percent of his shots from the field and 73.3 percent from the foul line. He recorded two double-doubles on the trip and was a handful for whoever was attempting to defend him.
Randle has turned out to be a good fit alongside Brook Lopez in the frontcourt. If the Lakers do in fact trade him, they should be able to get a solid package in return. However, he has played well enough that the Lakers may second guess wanting to trade him, and could look to fit him into their long-term plans.