3. Lakers lack depth at power forward and center
The Lakers started the season with solid depth at forward and center, but the trade deadline deal that sent Larry Nance Jr. to Cleveland left Randle with a ton of minutes. He provided solid production with that new playing time, and that would be hard to replace if he left.
With the pending free agency of both Randle and Brook Lopez, the Lakers could be left without their entire starting frontcourt. Out of those two, Randle is the one with the brighter future, so he should be their primary big man to re-sign.
The other options on the Laker roster in the frontcourt for next season are all inexperienced players. Kyle Kuzma is the one proven young player who they can play the four spot, but they really lack depth at the center position. Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant have both had bright spots, yet Randle is probably better right now than both of those guys will be in their entire careers.
Unless the Lakers find a cheaper option in free agency, then Randle is far and away the best option on their roster moving forward. Right now there is no back up to replace him, and that is why it would be a major mistake to let him leave.