One of the reasons that the Los Angeles Lakers’ future is suddenly looking bright is the growth of Julius Randle, which has particularly impressed head coach Luke Walton.
When Julius Randle was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 7th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, some fans felt that he had a high ceiling. He looked like a vague hybrid of Charles Barkley and perhaps James Worthy, as he could score in the paint and handle the ball well for a big man. He could also run the fast break like few men who are 6-foot-9 and weigh 250 lbs.
There were questions, however, about how much of his potential he would actually realize. His shooting form was somewhat flawed, and he played a decidedly below the rim game, especially in the lane. He shot a weak 42.9 percent in his first full season, then improved it to a decent 48.8 percent last season, yet there seemed to be a lot left to be desired in Randle’s game.
This season, he took a big step forward, putting up averages of 16.1 points on 55.8 percent shooting and 8.0 rebounds.
The previous summer, he trained hard and came into training camp in the best shape of his life with a seemingly new physique. The campaign started off a little rough though, as head coach Luke Walton brought him off the bench for the first time in his career.
But as the Lakers got into the heart of the season, Julius Randle started to find his groove. He returned to the starting lineup on Dec. 29 against the Clippers, and put up robust averages the rest of the way of 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds a game while shooting 56 percent and playing a hair under 30 minutes a game.
Even more impressive was how Randle got his points. In an NBA that has routinely been derided as too “soft” and devoid of defense and physicality as opposed to say, the 1990s, he was a throwback to the days when 85-80 games were the norm and big men controlled play at both ends.
A common sight this season was the Lakers getting Randle the ball in the post when they didn’t have anything in transition, and the 23-year-old forward having his way by playing “bully ball”.
His improved play drew positive reviews from perhaps the man who matters most, and that’s Lakers coach Luke Walton. Walton admitted that he and Randle didn’t see eye to eye at times this season, but that the forward “grew up a lot this year”. He also said that even when he was coming off the bench, Randle was an integral part of the team.
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"“He took the opportunity that he had and he owned it. Every single night he was coming off the bench as our backup five and dominating other backup fives. He continued to play at that level when we threw him in the starting lineup.“There was a couple struggles early on with that change to the lineup, but he earned everything he got this year. I’m happy for him, I’m excited for how his offseason is going to play out.”"
Randle is a free agent this summer, and the Lakers may have to let him walk to make their dream of signing of Lebron James and Paul George a reality. However, if they can afford him, and especially if they can continue to start him at either the 4 or 5 spot, Randle should still be something of a priority for the purple and gold, assuming he can find a way to mesh his game with Lebron’s.
For his part, Walton apparently would love to have him back. The young coach has spent the last two years building a culture that is based on hard work, defense, uptempo basketball, the love of the craft and camaraderie. Walton feels that Randle can continue to be a big part of what he and his staff are building in the Los Angeles area.
"“I think it was great for both of us,” Walton said. “That’s why I put a huge value within the culture as far as relationships and being in coaching for those relationships, for trying to help players get better and live their ultimate dream out.“When you have those type of relationships, I think you can truly challenge people, and they should be able to challenge you back. I think that was a perfect example of Julius and I.”"
Next: 5 Reasons Lakers Should Re-Sign Julius Randle
To be fair, Randle’s game could still use a good deal of work, as his perimeter J is still not super reliable. But if the Lakers get Lebron and one other star this offseason, it would help to retain at least a few of their young guys to maintain that continuity and chemistry that the coaching staff values. It would also go a long way in helping them ease the transition of integrating their new star(s) so that they can contend for a world championship sooner than later.