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Los Angeles Lakers: Nick Young is extremely proud of Julius Randle

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Nick Young #6 of the Golden State Warriors shake hands before the game on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Nick Young #6 of the Golden State Warriors shake hands before the game on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young is very proud of the progress that Julius Randle has made.

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Julius Randle has come a long way this season. He faced adversity even before the season began, and things couldn’t have gotten off to a much worse start for him.

Prior to the season, going back to the 2017 NBA Draft, Randle was on the trade block. Los Angeles was intent on moving Randle. Their eyes were set on free agency in the summer of 2018 when the likes of LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins were to be free agents.

To fulfill their dream of landing two of them, moves had to be made. One of those moves, the team thought, was trading Randle.

The Lakers were unable to trade him, but it was not for a lack of trying. The Lakers had offered Randle, along with Jordan Clarkson, to the Indiana Pacers for George prior to the draft. Right before 2018 began, it was reported that the Lakers would love to trade Randle and Clarkson. With how the season began for Randle, those reports shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Randle began the season about as poorly as a player could. He was upset with his role, coming off the bench instead of starting. It resulted in some lethargic, poor performances for Randle at the start.

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Then, something clicked. Randle and head coach Luke Walton had discussions and things worked out. Randle began playing well, embracing his role as the backup center. Once the opportunity to step back into the starting lineup arose, Randle seized it and made the most of that as well.

As the season has progressed, Randle’s performance has improved. He has been producing at a near elite level as a starter, and the Lakers view of him changed. By the trade deadline in February, the Lakers were declining trade offers for Randle.

While the Lakers are still hoping to land two max-level free agents, Randle is someone they could look to retain now as well. He has saw his role changed, and after a few down games, used that as motivation to improve.

Many people have taken notice of the changes Randle made. One person who has taken notice is his old teammate, shooting guard Nick Young.

Young signed with the Golden State Warriors last summer but spent four seasons with the Lakers, the last three of which Randle was on the team for. Young spoke very highly of his former teammate recently with Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times.

"“I think this summer’s going to be good for him,” said Young, who is now with the Golden State Warriors. “When you know what somebody’s been going through and you see the adversity he’s going through — he’s a good dude — when you overcome all that, can’t help but cheer for him. When you hear the talks of being traded, they want somebody else, you don’t feel like you’re part of the team. He stayed focused. “He was getting ready. He lost a lot of weight. In the weight room. He stayed with it. You can’t knock the man. They gotta pay him. Somebody’s gotta pay him.”"

While it is hard to believe how things started this season, that someone could be the Lakers. Randle worked hard in the offseason to get his body right, and it is now paying off. He is showcasing his versatile skill set on a nightly basis. Randle is a great rebounder, scores well around the basket and has shown a knack for being a playmaker at times.

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Randle is sure to land a lucrative deal this offseason. He is set to be a restricted free agent, so the Lakers will have a chance to match any offer that he receives. While the Lakers have their sights set on two max free agents, retaining Randle to keep the continuity with their young core.

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