The Lakers’ hiring of Tracy Murray as their full-time shooting coach isn’t the only news they announced on Thursday. They also informed us they have exercised Julius Randle’s 3rd year option on his contract.
While this is important news, it is also wholly expected. The recent high lottery picks — remember, Randle went 7th in his draft — to not have their 3rd year options exercised are Hasheem Thabeet and Anthony Bennett. Those two not only severely under-performed their draft status, the fact that they went number 2 and 1 overall in their respective drafts meant they carried very high costs in comparison to other rookies in their class*.
Even though Randle has already missed an entire season due to a serious injury, he’s actually showing he can play. His summer league stats — 12.8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.2 steals — reflect positive steps from the glimpses we got in the past two summer leagues and last year’s preseason. At the money he will be slated to earn next season (roughly $3.26 million), he is a bargain. Especially as the cap makes its first in what could be multiple huge jumps due to the new national TV deal.
Ultimately, then, this is good business. But it also reflects where Randle is seen as going in his career. As I discussed with Nate Duncan, I think Randle’s game — especially offensively — is exactly what teams will be looking for from their PF’s in the years to come. The Lakers, then, are simply taking the steps in order to ensure he stays in house.
*For comparison’s sake, Randle, as the #7 pick last year will make $3.13 million this season. D’Angelo Russell, as the #2 pick from this year, will make $5.1 million. Already, you see the difference between guys picked as high as Russell vs. those picked in the 2nd half of the lottery like Randle.
Anonymous says
Darius: I listened do the podcast and your prediction that the Lakers would win between 30 – 38 games. Here’s a related comment by Kevin Pelton.
Beck: Vegas has 6 teams projected to win fewer than 30 games this year: 76ers, Nets, Nuggets, Blazers, Wolves, and Lakers. Which do you think is most likely to crack 40 wins this year?
Kevin Pelton: I’d say Portland, which I think is the best of those teams, probably followed by Brooklyn. I don’t think the Nets are abnormally good relative to that group but I do think their upside is a bit higher.
Anonymous says
Portland lost LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews Jr and Nicholas Batum, yet they are better than the Lakers now? Get the hell out of here with that bs! You and those Vegas clowns are smoking crack if you all think that. Smh. Lol.
R says
Comparison vs Blazers indicates how far the Lakers have to go. As high as we may be on the Lakers young core, none of them come close to Damian Lillard as a proven big time star – yet.
Prob says
Clearly the lakers are planning on using Randle as their center peice moving forward. But what does this mean for Russell. I think they should try to maximize his strengths by using him at the 2. I think Russell should start his career as a 2 guard in the NBA, and eventually create for others out of that position.
KevTheBold says
Prob, I don’t see how keeping Randle smartly locked up, has anything to do with downgrading hopes for Russell’s potential.
The Lakers are smart enough to realize, that in today’s NBA, the “centerpiece” has gone passe, replaced by three, four, or even five headed hydras.
Further, though Russell could play the 2, Clarkson has that slashing ability which is essential to that position, while Russell has better vision, passing, and command, which are key to a solid PG.
Keeping them at 1 and 2, is better for the whole team.