Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from loss against the Detroit Pistons

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 26: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 26: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Julius Randle

In a matchup that would normally not favor him, Julius Randle took over against Blake Griffin. Randle finished the night with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and one steal. He led the game in points and his team in rebounds. Moreover, Ju shot 53.8 percent from the floor and an outstanding 90 percent from the charity stripe. Although Randle did not do much defensively, he managed to stay aggressive and get Griffin fouled out of the game. Blake finished the night with only 15 points and 5 rebounds.

Randle’s performance was badly needed, but the team still came up short of a victory. His performance, however, was no shocker. Since the trade deadline, Randle has been the leading scorer and rebounder for the Lakers. He has averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Moreover, Randle has shot 58.4 percent from the floor and 72.4 percent from the line.

As the Lakers contemplate heavily on their future in the next few months, the front office should pay great attention to Randle. The Kentucky product has proved time and time again that if the team believes in him, he will deliver. With near two max contracts worth of cap space, the team should figure out if they have another superstar coming in. If not, it might not be a bad idea to give Randle the pay raise he deserves.

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The Lakers next game will be on Wednesday when they host the Dallas Mavericks. Let’s hope Ju can keep up his work and help the Lakers pull out a win.