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Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton believes Julius Randle will get better

By Nick Ziegler

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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One of the best players for the Los Angeles Lakers this season has been Julius Randle. Recently, Luke Walton praised his development this season.

As the Los Angeles Lakers took a step forward this season, so have some of their young players. With new leadership at head coach and in the front office, the Lakers have certainly begun to improve on the court.

With more wins already than last season, the Lakers are certainly heading in the right direction. One of the players that have been key to their success has been Julius Randle. Despite some drama to start the season, Randle has emerged as arguably the best player on the team this season.

To start the season, Randle’s minutes were very inconsistent off the bench despite him playing well. When Randle was finally inserted into the starting lineup, his play really took off, and so did the Lakers.

Recently, Luke Walton talked with Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times about Randle and what type of player he can become. Here’s what Walton had to say.

"“He’s still only, in my opinion, at the very beginning of what kind of player he’s going to be in this league,”"

Even though Randle has been in the league for a few years now, he is still just 23-years-old. This season, we have certainly seen a motivated and hungry Randle. Starting in the offseason, Randle worked hard to get in the best shape of his life. That hard work has paid off for Randle, as he has a career season.

This season, Randle is averaging 16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Since the All-Star break, Randle’s numbers are fantastic, as he is averaging 21.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. There aren’t too many players that can average 20-10 in the NBA, and Randle is certainly in some elite company there.

Next: Challenges still exist for the Lakers

The big question about Randle is about his future with the team. Due to the desire to sign two max free agents, that would almost certainly mean that Randle is gone. However, his play of late surely has made the organization at least consider that he should be part of the future. We will have to wait and see what happens in the offseason, but there is no denying the improvement for Randle this season.

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