Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Things to watch for the rest of the season

Can Julius Randle change the plan?

With the offseason getting close, the Lakers are going to have some very difficult decisions to make. With Julius Randle being a restricted free agent, the franchise must decide what to do with the talented 23-year-old.

Despite some drama and a lack of playing time to start the season, Randle has ended up having a career-year for the Lakers, and he has been playing at an All-Star level recently. Since the All-Star break, Randle is averaging 21.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Being a 20-10 player in the NBA is not an easy thing to do, and Randle accomplishing this since the All-Star break is a very impressive feat. Even though it was assumed earlier in the season that Randle wasn’t part of the long-term plan for the Lakers, that plan may have changed.

The Lakers decided not to trade Randle before the NBA trade deadline, and that could be an indication that he is now in their long-term plans. While the Lakers will certainly try to pursue LeBron James and Paul George, Randle has certainly played well enough for the Lakers to give him a nice sized contract this offseason. Randle has played excellent this season for the Lakers and he definitely made Magic Johnson’s and Rob Pelinka’s jobs more difficult this offseason.