Pros and cons of the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Julius Randle

The cons of the Lakers trading for Julius Randle:

The risk of Julius Randle’s contract

Russell Westbrook is a one-year problem. If things do not work out the Lakers can at least remind themselves that they will be free of the problem after this season. Granted, more problems could exist if the team does not show LeBron James that they are committed to winning, resulting in both he and Anthony Davis leaving.

But from a money standpoint, it is a one-year problem. The Lakers would be committing to four more seasons of Randle as he has three more seasons guaranteed with a player option in the fourth year.

While turning a one-year problem into a potential four-year problem is not great, it is worth pointing out that Randle’s contract is not massive by nature. He makes $23.7 million next season, $25.6 million the following year, $27.5 million the third year and $29.4 million the fourth year.

With the NBA salary cap likely jumping with a new TV deal, that is not that bad of a contract.

Julius Randle has Russell Westbrook-light tendencies

I would not say that Randle has the same problems as a basketball player as Russell Westbrook. However, he does exhibit some of the same traits and that could be a problem. Randle is someone who plays his best with a high usage rate and can dominate the basketball at times as a vacuum on offense.

Like Westbrook, Randle also does not play the best defense. Both are capable but make mental mistakes and can be a liability in crunch time, especially in the playoffs.

The 3 best 3-point shooters currently on the Lakers roster

The Los Angeles Lakers need 3-point shooting to be successful and unfortunately, the team's list of its best 3-point shooters leaves a lot to be desired.

However, Randle has shown a willingness to play a lesser role in the past. Westbrook has not shown that same willingness.