Julius Randle will be the first one to tell you he has a long way to go as a player. While his injury reduced rookie campaign offered a chance to view the game from a different perspective while soaking in the knowledge shared to him by Kobe Byrant, nothing can replace the development from actual court time and game action. Randle did not get that last season and he is trying to make up for lost time now.
Still, the strides are obvious. Randle, always an assertive player, has been playing more like a guy who has a plan. Even when the drives and open court jaunts skew towards the out of control, there is a purpose to his movement. He knows where he wants to get to and, at least this preseason, he has been getting there. His shot chart is a map of his mindset:
Randle wants to be at the rim. While the scouting reports about him harp on his short arms and question his finishing ability, Randle is disproving those doubts one bully ball move with a crafty finish at a time. The finishing is important, of course. After a summer league (and, honestly, last year’s preseason too) of getting to his spots but showing a lack of touch near the basket, there were some fears about whether those aforementioned scouting reports were right. Randle isn’t out of the woods yet — this is only preseason — but the denseness of the forest is diminishing.
Still, it’s not the finishing that has me excited, but the getting into position which has me hooked. Basketball, in its simplest form, is about angles and positioning. The player who can exploit these things best — whether on offense or defense — is likely to win the possession. Randle, with his combination of quickness and strength, is doing this more than his opponent and it is a sight to see.
We talked about this some when we highlighted his first step. Randle is taking what his defender is giving him and using it against him. It’s most obvious when Randle is crowded and he simply blows by his man to get to the rim:
https://youtu.be/9w038YZ9hPY
Plays like that make the highlight reels, but it’s actually how he’s managing defenses that do not crowd him that is the real test. Against the Warriors, Randle took his match up with Draymond Green personal and tried to attack him at every opportunity. It led to plays like this one:
https://youtu.be/8690Z0_jfb4
Randle’s confidence is nice and I like the fact he’ll jaw at his man some. It makes the game more fun. But the most fun part is how Randle decided that even when facing a sagging defender he would use his physical tools to his advantage. Rather than settling for a jumper, Randle turned on the jets, got his man on his heels, and then exploded to the rim. Look at the shot chart near the top of the post again. It’s plays like the one he made against Green that creates that type of chart.
It’s not just when creating his own shot, either. One of the great things about Randle is how he keeps his head about him when he’s working off the dribble, seeing the floor while trying to break down his man. Randle seems to understand that when his man is sagging off him, he can use that space to not only attack and get his man on his heels, but to maximize the passing angles that can lead to him getting his teammates open shots. Look at any reel of Randle’s highlights from this preseason and you will him leveraging his physical tools against the space his man is giving him to create shots for himself or others.
Like I said at the top, Randle has a ways to go. But the makings of an effective player aren’t just in sight, they’re here and in full practice.
Fern says
Nice breakdown!!, i been really hyped about Julius based on what i seen so far, it’s nice to he home and finally put eyes on this team, Julius has the potential to be a beast, i think he is going to exceed expectations, his speed,play making ability and strength are going to serve him really well next season to quote Jimbo he is dynamite!!. Speaking of which that Jimbo article, whoa!!!omg while i know he deserve some credit for past Lakers sucesses, he is just deluded, and telling Magic that his Dad made him a billionaire, no “dude” Magic make himself that money with his play and leaving his heart and soul on the court for the Lakers and being a excellent businessman after his playing days Magic bleeds purple and gold, and if Magic made money the Good Doctor did a lot more off him. Unbelievable, i don’t really like Stephen A. Smith’s loudmouth but he ripped a new one to Jimbo with his tirade post article, and i agree with him, for a change. I just hope the team do well enough to take the focus of the dysfunction upstairs. Sheeshhh!!!
pat oslon says
Randle has always been a hard worker and he’s smart but it seems like when MWP entered his life he really began to bloom into a potential monster of a player!
Todd says
Jim Buss wants another year but hasn’t asked Jeanie. From USA Today article:
When the inevitable topic of the Jim Buss timeline finally arises, he shrugs and shakes his head. It’s not that he minds reviewing this particular storyline, the one about how he told his five siblings last year during that meeting in the Lakers’ El Segundo, Calif. offices that he would step down in the summer of 2017 if they weren’t contending. But that unwavering confidence in himself, and all this unending optimism about where they’re going, have left him quite sure that he won’t have to walk away.
“I (shared the timeline publicly to the Los Angeles Times in April of 2014) because I basically wanted people to know what timeframe I’m working on,” Buss said. “It became news, but I don’t want to be here if I can’t turn this around. And it’s not turning it around – it’s just your normal progression of teams in the NBA.
“We’re ahead of (the schedule), so I’m fine with it. I think we’ve turned the corner, exactly like we have (planned). Get a free agent next (summer), and then I think we compete.”
Yet it seems there is some matter of debate about the specifics of the timeline. When pressed on the matter of when the deadline date will be, Jim said, “Two more full seasons, a summer of change and then let that season go. Whatever happens in that third season, that’s fine. I have no problem with that. I think we’re that close.”
Yet Jeanie, the Lakers president, told USA TODAY Sports that she was perplexed by that characterization of the timeline.
“He has given me a timeline, and I have no reason to think that they won’t have a competitive team by the deadline,” Jeanie said.
That deadline, she was asked, is the end of the 2016-17 season?
“Yes,” she said. “Not this season, but the end of next season, which will be the summer of 2017.”
T. Rogers says
I’m really excited about Julius Randle. His first step is explosive. He has a great combination of speed and strength. As he masters the smaller details his game will improve even more. I don’t know if Randle is All Star material. But he can definitely be a real impact player a la Mike Conley (but from the forward position).
Regarding the Buss article, the only people who should be talking to the media are Mitch and Byron. And they need to only talk about basketball. The narrative on the team will change only when the team starts winning. Whenever Jim or Jeanie do interviews the team only comes out looking worse.
PyramidChode says
Seems like randle has slightly below average wingspan for his height/position in the NBA.
http://ascreamingcomesacrossthecourt.blogspot.com/2013/05/average-draft-measurements-for-nba.html
this site gives avg for pf as: 6’7.7’’, 7’1.1’’ while randle: 6’7.75’, 7′.
I doubt that scouts can even notice that 1 inch.
Craig W. says
It is hard to remember, when all the loudmouths – a.k.a. Steven A. Smith – are in full bay, but Jim Buss has been a part of some good decisions in this organization. I know there are media members and bloggers who don’t believe he should have any toilet paper in the bathroom, but he will remain a part owner and part of the Laker culture. While not making any statement about things we might not like, it would be nice to concentrate on the progress of our team and its exceptional rookies this year.
bleedpurplegold says
If randle can add a consistent jumper to his arsenal, i can see him as a top5 player in 3 to 4 years
Nice breakdown, thx 🙂
Anonymous says
If randle can add a consistent jumper to his arsenal, i can see him as a top5 player in 3 to 4 years
—
Except that his three worst games of the pre-season came against players with size/length: Derek Favors, Rudy Gay and Myers Leonard.
Its tough to be a top five player if your a PF and size/length neutralizes your game.
Joe Houston says
Listen, Jerry Buss owned the Lakers. He was a great owner. He gave the team to his Children and has Jim learn to run the Basketball Operations. Jim Buss has done an excellent job as a GM. So good the other teams changed the rules on him. Fans and bloggers can complain all they want but the man is Jerry Buss’ son. He is entitled to fail at this job as many times as he can until he succeeds. I am rooting for him to succeed. People criticizing Jim are simply deluded. How many teams can compare to Jim’s success? Where was Golden State just a few years ago?How many f these people criticized them? The Lakers are a brand many are jealous of and it sickens me when Lakers faithful join the crazies in denouncing our FO. How many of you care more about the Lakers success than Jim? His and his families livelihood depends on the Lakers success. He is more qualified than the talking heads and he cares more; that’s good enough for me. Here is the truth, if Jerry Buss was alive he would support his son in the job he has done so far.
Darius Soriano says
Are we calling a 5-9 shooting night with 4 rebounds and 6 assists in 28 minutes being “neutralized”?
rr says
FO: I said awhile back that I thought that the deadline would end up being summer 2018, rather than summer 2017, which is more or less what Jim is asking for as per the piece.
And T Rogers is of course correct. Jim should take a cue from his internet defenders here and at the Lakers SB Nation affiliate, who are more or less demanding that people stop talking about the FO and often get confrontational with those who do so, as we see here in the thread. Jim should just say that the focus should be on Kobe and the young guys and not answer any questions.
Julius Randle: I like a lot of things that I have seen so far from him on O. I do agree with those who have said that he needs the right running mate at forward.
A Horse With No Name says
It’s tough to be a top five player if your a PF and size/length neutralizes your game.
Randle has virtually the same measurables as Blake Griffin. Like BG, he has more than enough speed, power, mobility and skill to neutralize any size/length advantage. BG is the template for Randle, as he has improved his skills every year through hard work to become a top five player. Randle has the goods to become elite.
Snarky George says
Are we calling a 5-9 shooting night with 4 rebounds and 6 assists in 28 minutes being “neutralized”?
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I didn’t say Randle was horrific, neutralized was the word I chose to describe his production in comparison with the numbers (especially on the offensive end) he put up against teams that put a smaller body on him.
I should have elaborated that I am one of those who think the success of the Lakers rests on who the team pairs with Randle at the forward position. I think a big forward that can hit the outside shot is best, as that allows Randle to play closer to the basket on offense. I also think Randle is fantastic as a wing defender as his strength and quickness are advantages over most SFs.
Another vote for positionless basketball.
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My comment on the Buss kids: Jim and Jeanie clearly have different agendas. Those differences are highlighted when they do interviews. The lesson learned: stop doing interviews – no one wins.
Corey says
If this is the randle we’re going to see all season then he can very possibly grow into an all star. Once that jumper starts falling he’ll pull those lengthier defenders out and blow by them. He is the playmaking type 4 that every team covets.
On Jimmy, I feel like all the hate he receives is an amalgam of: scapegoating, nepotism, and teams the lakers have punked for 30 years getting a chance to kick the king when he’s down.
Clay Bertrand says
Aside from leaping ability and aggression finishing at the rim, I would agree that Randle is a bit like Blake Griffin (especially since his jumper is still slowly developing).
A better comparison as far as potential in my opinion would be Charles Barkley. Thickly built, undersized for a traditional 4, great handles particularly in the open court, and a little bit of Alpha Dog swagger.
If he can continue to refine and utilize his jumper, he could become our only true nightly MATCH UP PROBLEM for the opponents. Other than Kobe as recently as 3-4 years ago, we haven’t had a player who forces other teams to react and make adjustments.
Randle’s odd combination of skills will be a tough cover for a lot of teams. He looked fine for a first year guy going against Gay, (a 9 year vet), Favors (a 5 year vet) and Leonard (a non traditional 7 footer who shoots 3s).
I’m glad we have Randle as opposed to Exum, Smart or Gordon. At the time, he looked like merely the best player available at 7. Given time, he could be one of the best from this draft along with Wiggins (AND CLARKSON!!!).
Jim Buss, PLEASE stop giving interviews. Just when the world almost forgets about your last one, you do another. Just wait until there is something to talk about before you start talking again!! PLEAAAASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert says
Clay: first off – your criticism of Byron in the last thread was fair. You are exactly correct, he has been dealt a bad hand and he also has not done much with it in terms of reigning in the one on one tendencies of Williams and Young. Let’s not forget that this will be a trio (with Kobes) during regular season so get used to it.
Why all three are Williams and Young are both on the roster is beyond me, but yes, Byron has not modified their tendencies one bit.
Jim: So it seems he disagrees with Magic, he disagrees with his sister, he disagrees with S Smith, he disagrees with ESPN, he disagrees with the LA Times, and he disagrees
with many posters on this board. Are all these people delusional and crazy?
rr: Stop saying 2018 ! Repeat after me – 2017, 2017 : )
Randle: Can you guys please stay on topic? I think it is a bit premature to declare this draft pick a success or to compare this guy to league all stars. It is also a bit early to
declare this pick a failure. He has played less than one game. Let’s get some data on this one before speaking with certainty.
Fern says
Randle speed and other atributes are a bit like BG indeed, i think thise are going to cover being an inch or 2 shorter than some PFs around the league he is built like a bull, height isn’t everything. Like i said, Jim deserves some credit for past sucesses and i think the Lakers as a whole had a bit of bad breaks lately it’s not entirely his fault bit he had made some bad decisions , about nepotism, that argument is invalid, the Lakers are a family business and if the Good Doctor decided to give his son the reins after he was gone, that his prerogative, they own the damn team!!, but he needs to shut up and stay away from the media…
Alex says
Randle’s ceiling is very high. He reminds me of Charles Barkley more than any other player. I expect Julius to improve his shot every year – he’s a hard worker and his mechanics look decent. Tracy Murray may help?
@Joe Houston: so well said.
Clay Bertrand says
Agreed Alex….Joe Houston very well put.
Personally, I don’t think Jim Buss has done anything particularly egregious and certainly doesn’t warrant the NATIONAL NEGATIVE PRESS or the local jabs. He happens to be on watch during a down period of the cycle and the moves he HAS made were swing for the fences moves. The Chris Paul deal being scuttled was COMPLETE CRAP. He still forced his way to Big Market LA and the Pelicans did NOT benefit from trading him to the Clippers any more than they would have had he gone to the Lakers. Thanks DAVE!!
Jim waited for the new CBA to be hammered out, made a great trade REGARDLESS of the changes they made to the rules, and the A-hole commissioner had to come in and cancel the trade on highly questionable grounds. Like I said, it wasn’t to get a MUCH BETTER RETURN for the Pelicans as Stern implied. It was ONLY to keep the Lakers from AGAIN succeeding. We can all see that now. So much for BASKETBALL REASONS. More like DAN GILBERT REASONS!!!
Where Jim and Jeanie DO deserve blame is the fiasco that is their public statements!!!! Argue behind the scenes and stop explaining your “plans” in public. The public comments do nothing but a disservice to the team. Take the high road and keep your mouths shut!! I NEVER see interviews with Peter Holt but I see 2-3 Jim Buss interviews per calendar year when a nice round 0 interviews would suffice.
Jim seems to invite criticism with these interviews and it causes people to judge him on his words not his personnel moves which aside from the free agency recruiting, have not been as bad as portrayed by the Hindsighters. Jeanie is really no better when she talks. She just gets a free pass from the media because there simply is no way to measure her job performance like there is with Jim.
Kareeme says
Clay,
Jim used to not give interviews, and he got roasted for it. Now he’s giving interviews, and he’s getting roasted for it.
A Horse With No Name says
Take away from the Jim B interview: read what truth teller and Laker GOAT Jerry West said about JB. (And yes, it’s time for the Buss kids to shut it.)
Anonymous says
Jerry West is smart enough to not say something that would be controversial. Plus, Jeanie just promoted his son, so Jerry has extra incentive to play nice in the media.
Oltimer says
Randle is good PF, Hibbert a shot blocker and Lou Williams, a consistent producer while Kobe is still the great one despite injury, however if they all play individually without any cohesiveness as a team, then they will lose all their 3 quarters lead in the last 5 minutes. We need a team and we need a Coach who wills to win not to experiment or entertain the Gods.
With regards to Jim Buss, the more he props himself for PR, the more problems he encounters. Lakers fans are not dumb to make up those despicable comments on the owners son who caused Kobe to rant in ’07, who side stepped Mitch and Dr. Buss in hiring MBrown and who made midnight appointment in order to spite at his sisters boyfriend. He just can’t rewrite history through interviews by floating another history of his own. As people from Missouri say: Show Me (what you really made of in the course of time.)
J C says
Sure it’s premature to really assess Randle.
But it’s fun!
And Laker fans deserve/need some fun.
I get the Barkley comparison but to me, Griffin is more like Barkley. Barkley was truly an explosive jumper, as is Griffin.
If I were to pick a player Randle reminds me of, I’d say a young Karl Malone. Less of an explosive leaper than Barkley or Griffin, but combining toughness, strength and agility like Malone. I’m also still defaulting to Zack Randolph a bit, due to his frame and being a southpaw.
Overall, I’m high on Randle. His selection at #7 may have been a no-brainer but it means six teams passed on him.
If Clarkson truly blossoms this year, and Russell starts proving his value, the FO deserves some credit. Russell’s potential, Randle’s development, the Huertas pickup, the Hibbert, Bass, and Williams acquisitions all add up to some pre-season excitement, even hope — and to that extent we have indeed ‘turned a corner.’
It seems to me that says
no matter what the topic of the thread, this community can’t stop themselves from shifting the conversation to the front office, which inevitably leads to re-litigating years-old decisions. Why can’t people just let this situation play itself out? Nothing you say here or anywhere else is going to change things. The endless debates over the front office just sow division among Lakers fans. I don’t think there’s a single angle of the front office debate that hasn’t been covered here fifty times over. How many more times do you have to keep going in circles before you tire yourselves out? I wish people would just focus on the team, the games, the season ahead, the young players on the team, Kobe’s possible last hurrah, anything else. Anything. There are so many more topics that are worthy of all the energy people waste–yes, waste–on this one subject over which not a single one of you has any control. It doesn’t enhance anyone else’s fan experience to read those discussions. It’s pretty fucking annoying. I wish you’d all just call a truce and leave it alone.
Anonymous says
I didn’t say Randle was horrific, neutralized was the word I chose to describe his production in comparison with the numbers (especially on the offensive end) he put up against teams that put a smaller body on him.
I should have elaborated that I am one of those who think the success of the Lakers rests on who the team pairs with Randle at the forward position. I think a big forward that can hit the outside shot is best, as that allows Randle to play closer to the basket on offense. I also think Randle is fantastic as a wing defender as his strength and quickness are advantages over most SFs.
Another vote for positionless basketball.
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Considering that the guy hasn’t even played 30 minutes of real NBA basketball yet I wonder to what degree you consider robust empirical evidence as essential to forming strong opinions.
Anyway, if we leave out the fact that Randle is still very much a work in progress, IMO it’s more about matchups than about positionless basketball. And that includes both sides of the court.
tankyou says
Randle is the only player on the roster that I truly think has a shot of breaking out to be a top player.
@bleedingpurpleandgold, A top 5 player within 2-3 years???? WOW. Come on Randle won’t be a top 5 player in the league, ever. He has enough flaws and it will take him 2-3 years just to become an excellent player.
I think Randle might be a 3rd team All-star sorta guy eventually, or someone that is mentioned at one of the best few players at his position at some point. But a Lebron/KD/Kobe type guy….no way.
Also someone mentioned Charles Barkley and Randle in the same sentence? I don’t see that either, sure Randle is pretty quick, But Barkley had amazing athleticism and speed, Randle just doesn’t seem to have the raw physical talents. As others have mentioned I just hope he develops a solid mid range, and some floaters, and eventually starts finishing with Dunks on a regular basis.
I understand people are hopeful, but geez you can take nearly any 19/20 year old top 1st round pick and say he may be this or that, but many don’t amount to much beyond rotational players. Randle may end up proving to be a solid player in a couple years that isn’t someone to build around, that’s still highly likely as well. I hope he performs, because I see him as a better potential all around player than Russel.
Snarky George says
Considering that the guy hasn’t even played 30 minutes of real NBA basketball yet I wonder to what degree you consider robust empirical evidence as essential to forming strong opinions.
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You’re criticism could be levied against any and all FBG posters who are using the same small sample size of evidence to support their projections. As I noted, in preseason games, Randle has had better offensive efforts against players closer to his own size. Are other factors involved, yes, of course.
I don’t see how my comment warrants push back any more than those here who are already comparing Julius to Hall of Famers after not having played 30 minutes in a real NBA game yet.
You can’t have it both ways.
rr says
If you look at both college numbers and the eye test, I have a hard time seeing Randle as being the kind of super high-impact guy that Barkley was and Griffin is. I do think Randle is going to be pretty good, though.