Lake Show Life
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22 Players the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers, Julius Randle
Los Angeles Lakers, Julius Randle (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle /

7. Julius Randle

The Lakers drafted Randle with the seventh overall pick in 2014. They had just missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005, and it was the start of their longest postseason drought in franchise history.

His rookie year lasted just 14 minutes before a broken leg ended his season. Following his recovery, the 6’8 forward steadily improved during his next three years in LA. He averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game during his final season with the Lakers.

His team missed the playoffs all four years, so they let Randle walk in free agency, despite having the option to restrict him and match any offer he received. The talented forward signed just a two-year deal worth $18 million with the Pelicans where he averaged over 21 points per game and immediately made the Lakers regret not keeping him around. Randle declined his second-year player option and moved on to New York in 2019.

He is now a two-time All-Star and the leading scorer on the Knicks. The 6’8 forward is one of the most underrated players in the league as he averages a 25-point double-double every night.

The Los Angeles Lakers let him walk for nothing before his 24th birthday. They did not give Julius Randle time to fully blossom, and they missed out on his best years.

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