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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball felt ‘hurt’ when Julius Randle signed with New Orleans

By James Francuz

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball recently admitted it was hard to see Julius Randle sign elsewhere this summer.

Over the course of the summer, Los Angeles Lakers fans were granted with a pretty good taste of what the business side of basketball entails. In some respects, what was tasted was as sweet as can be. Lakers’ supporters were also given a spoonful of the opposite along the way.

The latter case was realized when Julius Randle opted to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans. Randle’s deal is one of the two-year variety in which he will be making $18 million.

As a result, the L.A. Lakers lost a guy who had a breakout year in 2017-2018. The former Kentucky Wildcat averaged 16.1 points, eight rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 82 games. Despite playing fewer minutes than he did the prior year, Randle managed to play the best basketball of his young career.

What was particularly impressive about Julius last year was how reliable he became on both ends of the hardwood. Head coach Luke Walton regularly challenged Randle throughout the year and the big man grew into an asset capable of guarding more than one position.

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The key word to note here is “reliable.” As the year progressed, Lakers’ fans knew what to expect from the bulky 6-foot-9 player night after night. There came a point where it seemed like a double-double was practically a given.

Due to Randle’s success, re-signing him would have made a lot of sense. At various junctures in 2017-2018, he was perhaps the best Laker on the floor.

However, via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Randle wanted to leave L.A. after learning some unfortunate news. If he stayed with the Lakers, a smaller role was going to be inevitable because of the LeBron James acquisition. The former Laker was clearly not fond of this coming to fruition.

Speaking of which, a current Laker was not too psyched when he learned his teammate was leaving town. That Laker is sophomore point guard Lonzo Ball.

Recently on his show “Ball in the Family,” viewers got a glimpse of how Ball felt when the news emerged. Suffice to say, the budding star was noticeably downtrodden.

When he first heard the scoop about Randle, Lonzo was with his brother LiAngelo. Per Jacob Rude of Lonzo Wire, the following conversation occurred between the two on the subject.

"Lonzo – Damn. That one hurt a little bit.Li’Angelo – That’s your homie?Lonzo – (nods)"

Without a doubt, this signifies the nature of the NBA. The Lakers did not see Randle as an essential part of their future, hence why a limited role was the best they could offer. Not liking this, Julius made up his mind quickly.

It is somewhat sad in view of what Christian Rivas of SB Nation writes. According to a former assistant coach of Randle’s, Kenny Payne, the former “wanted to be a Laker.” The team just was not willing to give the big fella adequate playing time.

S3:E15 Blow It Up

Lonzo Ball gives LaMelo Ball and his JBA teammates tough criticism and learns the news that his favorite player, LeBron James, is joining the Los Angeles Lakers. LaVar Ball strategizes with LiAngelo Ball Ball about his professional opportunities.

Posted by Ball In The Family on Sunday, September 16, 2018

What is key to consider here extends beyond the game of basketball. Ball was clearly not too happy to see his teammate go. Better yet, he was surprised to see a good friend of his leave.

Seeing a normally stoic Ball show a little bit more of his human side in the video says a lot. It is evident that the lanky point guard will miss his chum’s presence this season.

Next. 4 Goals For Lonzo Ball In 2018-19 Season. dark

In spite of that, Ball and the Lakers cannot let that underlying emotion affect them too much. The squad is looking to return to relevancy in 2018-2019. That is their primary focus for sure.

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