Julius Randle was “upset and angry” earlier this season when he didn’t receive an extension offer from the Lakers, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com relays. The franchise wanted to keep its cap sheet clean, even if Randle was willing to give a hometown discount. While the team’s rumored plan to pursue proven superstars this summer initially irked the big man, he’s taking it much better nowadays.
“Oh, man, it came to a certain point where I was just numb to it,” Randle said of the rumors linking stars like LeBron James and Paul George to the Lakers.
The team may have to let Randle walk if they are going to sign both superstars, but the power forward would enjoy sticking around, especially if James decides to join Magic Johnson’s squad.
“It would definitely be interesting because we are building something. We really see our young core developing, so it would definitely be something interesting,” Randle said of the possibility of playing with James. “I played with [Kobe Bryant]. … What you learn from Bean as far as mentality and just the little things, his work ethic, I would love to play with Bron and learn the same things.
“[Learning and soaking in] what makes him so great, what does he do that makes him so great and how does he make everybody else so great. He has made a living off of making teammates better. So you have a guy like that, it makes a lot of things easier, I would say.”
Randle, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, is currently playing some of the best basketball in his career. He stuffed the stat sheet on Sunday against the Cavs, posting 36 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks — if the Lakers are simply going to let him walk, it won’t be an easy decision.
“I haven’t talked to a lot of other coaches about him, but what he’s doing right now, he has to be on everyone’s radar,” coach Luke Walton said. “He’s playing unbelievable basketball. He’s a matchup nightmare for teams; he’s versatile. This is just me guessing, but I would imagine most teams are pretty impressed with what he’s doing.”
ESPN’s Bobby Marks (in the same story) pegs Randle’s market value in the $12-14MM-per-year range. While the former No. 7 overall pick will undoubtedly look for a raise on his current salary, which is approximately $4.2MM, it sounds like money won’t be the only factor in his decision-making process this summer.
“It would be tough to say no to L.A., honestly,” Randle said when asked how much he wants to remain a Laker. “It is the place that drafted me. I would love to be here. I have to do what is best for the family and hopefully, they want me here as well.”
I’ll gladly take him in San Antonio or Charlotte
Spurs can do it with Parker’s expiring contract. Question is, would his defensive game translate for Popovich?
He’s shown too much improvement for the Lakers to just let him leave. I highly highly doubt they get both PG and Bron but they could keep Randle by shipping off Deng with picks/other young players.
Randle is a great finisher and rebounder. He can push the ball up as well and he’s a good passer. His defense has vastly improved. He’s shown flashes of being a rim protector and has already shown he can consistently guard smaller players out on the perimeter. Lakers need to keep him at all costs
No one wants Dengs contract. You giving up Ball, Ingram, or Kuzma?
He will have only 2 years left. If the Cavs pick falls into the top 20, and they offer another player like maybe Zubac and some future seconds it would entice some teams a little more. Or they just stretch Deng’s contract
Stop considering LeBenedict at this point, Magic. Give Randle his damn money and sign PG. LeBron won’t last in the West.
Preach
The was an article written a few months ago on the ringer about how the lakers can sign randle and two max contracts and still operate under the cap. link to forumblueandgold.com Intresting read but it is possible.
They need to hope he is willing to wait until George and Lebron make their decisions
Offer him a new contract asap.
DO NOT lose him!
If I’m a team interested in Randle (and knowing that one of the big free agents isn’t an option either), I’d offer Randle a contract as soon as possible. It’ll force the Lakers hand to determine if they want to keep Randle or let him walk to have enough space to chase a free agent. Any team signing Randle to an offer sheet will have a better chance at getting him before the big free agents sign as opposed to afterwards. Obviously if the Lakers are able to rid themselves of most, if not all, of Deng’s contract with a minimal cap hit then this becomes a moot point.
I think LeBron goes to Philly and PG to the Lakers. Randle thus is a re-sign with Lopez taking a discount. Philly just has all of the ingredients (specifically the big guy) that’ll get LeBron multiple attempts at the trophy.
Randle came busting right down Euclid avenue several times against the Cavs in early offense. Apparently he can follow scouting reports and his handle is reliable. A western team should force the issue and make him a sweet offer quickly in free agency. Agree with JT19.
3yr/$40mil? More? More.
No way Randle leaves. George re-signs with Thunder and Lebron stays in Cleveland. Why would George go to the Lakers and take on the pressure of having to lead that team? He’s not that kind of player and he knows it.
Yeah he only led a team to the conference finals.
Well you can credit that to Vogel’s system and their personnel they built there. Paul George is a great player but he’s not Lebron good well no one is lol. But my point is why would he go to a Laker team where Ingram is currently playing in? They play the same position.
George played SG as well while in Indiana, especially when they had Grangier.