NBA News: Julius Randle's future with the Lakers remains uncertain
What's the story?
The future for the Los Angeles Lakers' power forward Julius Randle seems to be uncertain with the organization.
In case you didn't know...
The Lakers front office has publicly stated that no player from the young core is untouchable heading into the 2018 free agency.
The heart of the matter...
Heading into the 2017-2018 season, it felt like Julius Randle’s tenure with the Lakers was going to come to an end. Randle started his 4th year with the Lakers coming off the bench and instantly showed signs of improvement as he was able to dominate backup centers. When head coach Luke Walton finally gave the 23-year-old an opportunity to start again, the Lakers played their best basketball of the season.
In 49 starts, Randle averaged 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 29.9 minutes. Despite of playing so well, Randle and his client are uncertain about his return, according to Tania Ganguli of L.A. Times.
“We still have no indication of where Julius stands among the Lakers’ priorities, or if he is a priority at all,” Randle’s agent Aaron Mintz said Saturday in response to Pelinka’s comments. “We are looking forward to the marketplace in July, when we will get a clear picture of Julius’ future.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told The Times on Friday that the Lakers’ front office is constantly in touch with Julius Randle’s representatives, and there has been “a mutual exchange of interest and hoping that we can work something out for both sides.”
Although it seems like Randle is not going to a part of the purple and gold next year, Luke Walton said he would ‘love to have him back during exit interview’.
What's next?
Lakers and Randle have not had any serious discussion regarding his contract as a restricted free agent with free agency does not officially begin until July 1. We will have to wait to see what the future holds for Randle.
Author's take
Randle has certainly put the Lakers in a tough spot with a career year this past regular season. He could well possibly return to the Lakers if the front office are unable to sign max contract players this summer.