Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers are open-minded about contract for Julius Randle

By Nick Ziegler

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets on April 10, 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 - APRIL 10: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets on April 10, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Julius Randle being a restricted free agent, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to make a tough decision regarding his future.

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading toward a huge offseason for their franchise, as they hope to make the playoffs next season. Thanks to a great job by the front office recently, the Lakers have been able to build an impressive young core, and also have enough cap space to sign two max players.

While the ultimate goal is to sign LeBron James and Paul George, the Lakers do have part of their impressive young core that is a restricted free agent. Despite starting the season somewhat rocky, Julius Randle ended up being arguably the Lakers’ best player last season. When he finally got into the starting lineup, Randle was able to play great for the team.

Overall, Randle averaged 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. However, as a starter, Randle averaged 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, which is getting close to All-Star caliber numbers.

As a restricted free agent, the Lakers are ultimately in control of what happens to Randle next season. However, with some big plans in free agency, the Lakers are being very open-minded when it comes to Randle. Recently, Rob Pelinka spoke with Tania Ganguli of the LA Times about Randle’s contract. Here’s what Pelinka had to say.

"“I think going into a process with kind of a position of entrenchment or here’s the thin red line that we will not cross isn’t necessarily the best way to approach something with an open-mindedness,” Pelinka said. “I think any negotiation is between two sides. Ultimately you’re hoping to find a partnership.”"

Pelinka and the Lakers keeping an open mind about Randle’s contract is certainly a good idea as of now. As a young player coming off a great season, a team could come in and offer Randle a nice contract this offseason that the Lakers would have to decide whether or not they want to match.

Next: Top 5 lowlights from the 2017-18 season

Ideally, the Lakers would like to know where they stand with James and George before they address Randle in all likelihood. However, being able to match any potential contract for him is certainly a good luxury to have. After a great season with the Lakers, keeping Randle is certainly an option for the team. However, they might have their eyes on some bigger fish.

Home/Lakers News