It’s very unlikely that Julius Randle‘s future will come with the Lakers, Adrian Wojnarowki of ESPN says (via RealGM). Los Angeles, of course, is positioning itself to sign multiple max free agents in the summer of 2018, just when Randle will be hitting restricted free agency.
For now, Lakers’ execs Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson will need to determine whether the franchise would be better off shipping Randle out of town prior to the February trade deadline or potentially rolling the dice when he’s a restricted free agent next summer.
Randle’s cap hit will be worth $12.4MM in the offseason, a significant chunk for a team looking to potentially sign the likes of LeBron James and/or Paul George.
Lost in all of the anticipation about 2018, however, is an impressively efficient 23-year-old in the best condition of his NBA career. In less than 20 minutes per game so far this season, Randle has averaged 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Not surprisingly, the Lakers will likely at least consider moving Randle to a team during the course of the 2017/18 season, with a potential yield of a first-round pick.
It’s not unrealistic to expect another organization around the league, one without major free agency ambitions like L.A., to take a flyer on the 2014 NBA Draft’s seventh-overall pick, a versatile young power forward who’s even spent time at the five so far this season.
I think they can get something for him not sure what but definitely think they can at least get a second round pick
They should get something for Lonzo while he has some worth, he’s fading fast. BUST.
Lol it’s been 11 games. Look how long it took Russell to finally start playing like he’s playing consistently. This is Russell’s 3rd season and tonight is Balls 12th game lol calm down all the busy talk.
*bust talk
At least Russell didn’t shoot .295/.231/.538
Doesn’t matter what Russell shot he wasn’t any good for two years. Yea he had games but he wasn’t consistently good he was more like consistently bad. Stats don’t matter it’s the over all game I’m looking at and you can judge a guy off 11 games. Russell was the number two pick and people hated on him while I was telling people to be patient but all I heard was he’s the number two pick he needs to be better but now look at him straight ballin for the Nets. Just give the KID some time before calling him a bust! He has a ton of potential and will be good. Wait til they surround him with some more talent and the talent already on the team develops along with him and you’ll see his real potential. Don’t ever think he’s gonna score a lot every game but he will have a decent amount of rebounds, will have a lot of assists and will run the offense and set guys up which is what we need we don’t need him to score a lot especially if we go get some scorers like we plan on doing.
It pisses me off he is getting under 20 minutes, he is our best rebounder and has VASTLY improved his defense from the last few years and his jumper is looking better. He still seems a little out of control but as he was in the past. If we can’t get Bron and PG or 2 other max players which I think we won’t get anyway, I want to se e him back on the lakers
What alot of people don’t realize is that Randle is also a solid passer..He’s a really good player, and the Lakers are currently under utilizing the hell out of JR.
I’m personally hoping the Bulls can get Randle. Somehow they can work out a 3-team deal involving Mirotic and a 2nd rounder to get the deal done.
Either way though, Randle needs out of LA and FAST. They are wasting this man’s talent, and they are doing him a huge disservice. It’s like they have blackballed himor something, idk..I have yet to understand why they aren’t using him more!?!
He went from starting and part of their future core, to running the 2nd unit, to now getting basically between 15-20 meaningless minutes a game…
What did Randle do to deserve how he’s getting treated by the Lakers?? Anyone really know what is going on behind the scenes??
I don’t get it at all. The only thing I can think of is that they don’t want him to get hurt so they are barely playing him and then plan on trying to get something for him at the deadline from a playoff team in need that’s desperate for help.But I completely agree that it’s a waste of talent. The man can play and he’s improved his health and his game this offseason. It’s a shame.
Obviously they are gonna use him to dump Deng.
Faried and Wilson Chandler from DEN for Randle and Deng now that Millsap’s out and Manimal has fallen out of favor?
Imo, a trade is unlikely. The Lakers wouldn’t want to take back multi-year contracts and a team could easily pursue Randle in free agency
Must be roommates with Jah and Nerlens.
Not sure why lakers are saying this publicly. That only sets the team back. Magic might have some good ideas but he’s thus far been a sloppy GM or whatever he is.
Did you read the article? This is speculation, the lakers have said nothing.
I mean.. it may be a good way to dump Dengs contract if they package Randle with him.
Like this idea
Clarkson need to go
why the hell would you say that? he’s the Lakers bench?
All of you guys that think so highly of this guy it makes me laugh…his minutes are down because he can’t shoot, he needs the ball in his hands to operate in the lane or the post and they want to run a more free flowing pace of basketball. Randle is a turnover machine, can’t shoot and clogs the lane. He’s a mear pawn to be delt for a first rounder or rid the lakers of Deng albatross of a contract.
Also he’s not as good as kuzma or nance.
Nerlens for Randle?
No thanks, Dallas.
I doubt Cuban will trade with us on Noel.
Our new players are still learning a system and how to play together.
Lonzo just had his first triple/double.
Let’s no expect championship caliber results so soon