One of the reasons I am such a big Julius Randle fan is that he has the tools to one day be a complete player. He’s not there yet, of course, but most every game he shows hints of what he can be. A contested rebound, a soft finish in traffic, a smart cut, an off the dribble move where he moves like a guard, a smart pass. These flashes of fantastic play only keep you wanting more, to the point of sometimes being disappointed the entirety of his game isn’t always at his disposal to wreak havoc on opponents.
Against the Nuggets on Friday night, however, he really did put it all together. 13 points on 6-10 shooting, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists. He became the youngest Laker since Magic Johnson to notch a triple-double and joined Pau Gasol as the only Laker since 1983-84 to have a triple double with at least 13/18/10 in every category. Quite the company to keep for the 2nd year pro. Just look at some of the plays, too:
Triple-Double highlights courtesy of @J30_RANDLEhttps://t.co/fGR8xIyWY0
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 26, 2016
I think what makes me most happy about the achievement is that it really is a reward for the hard work Randle puts in. Over the course of the season that improvement has been on display in the form of improved numbers as each month passes — especially shooting percentage — but also in subtleties to how he goes about his business on the floor. He is learning how to slow down, recognize situations, and then make the play in front of him rather than try to bull his way into a play that isn’t really there.
Does he still not make every pass I wish he would? Does he still have tunnel vision when looking to attack the rim? Does not always see plays ahead of time, passing to players who are already open rather than leading them into open space? Yes, yes, and yes. But, I have hopes he’ll continue to grow where these habits are nearly eliminated from his game.
Still, even though he’s got a ways to go, this triple-double is reflective of what’s possible. That he has the skills to be a playmaker for others. That he can play at the top of the floor and be a trigger man for the team’s offense. That he can be a willing passer. These are not small things. Especially for a player who is built like an ox and moves as well as he does. A player who has these abilities, in the body he does, with the attack mindset he has, and the drive to be great that he possesses, has the potential to be something special.
TheArmoTrader says
One of my favorite “improvements” from him is that over the last 3 months, he’s attempting more and more right hand shots.
Granted, he’s still HEAVILY left hand dominant, but during the first 2 months of the season, he’d 99% always go left.
His right hand layup attempts/shots don’t always go in, and sometimes they cause turnovers. But I’d rather he attempt a shot with his right hand (when he has to, of course) and it have a 25% chance of it going in than him attempt it with his left (when he’s not supposed to) and have it a 35% chance of going in.
These are the development years, so I want to see more of that next year – with the hope that the efficiency of right hand shots has improved as well.
stats says
Thanks, Darius! Didn’t watch the game… I figure there’s not much point at this juncture of the season… and besides, the wife and I just started House of Cards.
But I was pleased to read about the triple double and see Randle bury the nice midrange shot in the video. He seems to be working awfully hard, as evidenced by consistent improvement, and I’m glad to see he’s finishing strong. As you say, he’s got a ways to go, but I’m impressed.
Now if I could just see some more of those flashes from DAR. He had that nice mini-stretch but has fallen off. I’m still hopeful that the long term prognosis will be positive
Anonymous says
The best player in college this year is Buddy H. Far better then Simmons and Ingram. Lakers would be fools to not pick him if they can. Much bigger upside then Clarkson or Russell. Once in a decade player.
matt says
Buddy hield scored 37 pts. Oklahoma st. Defeated oregon
Anonymous says
I was incredibly happy to see Randle put together that game last night. It seems like the narrative going forward is that Russell is the special one and will become “The Guy,” and while I do buy into that idea, I always thought it was odd that Randle was never mentioned in the same vein. Sure, Randle’s jump shooting and ability to defend the interior are still legitimate questions, but the potential for him to become an indispensable piece as a primary or secondary playmaker on offense is not exactly something we should take for granted.
On an unrelated note, if the Lakers are lucky enough to keep their pick but can’t land Ingram or Simmons, I’d love for them to draft Bender. While Hield is a good prospect, I like Bender more as the 3rd best prospect, and I’d find it hilarious if that decision would piss off people like the first commenter.
matt says
I remember when julius randle was stinking it up before the all star break, good to see he’s coming along
matt says
Randle draft class
1. Wiggins…20 pts. A game this year
2. Parker…..13 pts. 5 reb. This year
3. Embiid…has not played in 2 years
4. gordan. ….9 pts. 6 reb. This year
5. Exum…out for season, 5 pts 3 ast as rookie
6. Smart..9 pts, 4 reb. 3 ast 1.5 stl this year
7. Randle..12 pts. 10 reb. This year.
We fell to the 7th pick and got possibly the 2nd best player
matt says
I was told you don’t know how good a rookie might be until the end of the 2nd season
matt says
Anonymous one
I can’t imagine ben simmons not being a great nba player, explosive, athletic, competitive, very fast for his size
Ingram is kinda sketchy for me, but most likely a good nba player, well coached is the sketchy part. He can shoot though, and block.
Red flag on both free throws, simmons 67%, ingram 68%
They both are freshman. Tremendous prospects.
Buddy is a senior. It’s said he’s a very hard worker, improving everything each year. 3 pt shot at nba range, drives to the basket. He should be a scorer right away in nba.
I agree though he would be a huge upgrade for the lakers at shooting guard, i think of him as a free agent 20 mil 4 year deal. Total steal. 3rd pick
Mid-Wilshire says
For what it’s worth, Brooklyn won tonight, beating Indiana 120-110. It’s all about the ping pong balls now.
KO says
Lakers need help now. Seems like Buddy could do that. Simmons outside shot needs lots of work. Might be best choice if they can pick up a functioning center. Without Kobe next year Staples could be an echo chamber with another bad team.
Mid-Wilshire says
Buddy Hield’s been scorching the nets for several years now. But he’s primarily a scorer, not a passer or defender.
I actually prefer Kris Dunn, a 6-4, 220 PG out of Providence. This year he averaged 16.4 ppg, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists with .6 blocks (very high for a guard) and 2.5 steals. Defensively — and in terms of his overall game — I think he’d be a better pick at the number 3 slot.
But of course, the Lakers have to get there, first.
A Horse with no name says
Buddy Heild is undersized as a two, and lacks elite athleticism to overcome it. No way he goes top three.
KevTheBold says
Randle is impressing, it’s great to see him reaching for his potential.
Looks like JC found his shot again.
Our core will be a dangerous trio once they mature together.
If we can add a 4th, I would still select Simmons, as I see his potential as the highest.
matt says
Yeah simmons is the top prospect
Hale says
Every Nets win pushes Billy King’s Celtic gift to less ping pong balls.
Randle’s been a steady double-double since Nance’s injury led to him starting again. I’m curious to see what he adds to his game during the Summer.
Kbj says
Buddy Hield is a senior while Ingram and Simmons are freshmen. Buddy Hield did not play well his first year in college. Perhaps with more time, Ingram and Simmons would play better than Hield considering they possess more talent.
Renato Afonso says
I was ecstatic with drafting Randle that year. He can be a very complete player and I really want to see him work on his elbow and baseline midrange jumper as well as his man to man and help defense. He’ll never be a shotblocker but as long as he stops driving lanes he can be a positive on defense. After the lottery we can see who we draft
bleedpurplegold says
i have to give at least some credit to byron for JRs development. Since he rode the bench for a couple of weeks, he seems more focused to give effort on the glass and on d. He clearly accepted the challange presented by BS, plus he flashes some range from time to time on O, which is huge given his ball handling/passing skills
Future seems bright, with or without the pick, our young guys will only get better 🙂
BigCitySid says
-From last post, pertaining to next Laker season ending my “3 season nightmare”, I’m a little surprised others feel so differently.
*as of this writing, the Lakers have a w/l record of 63 – 173. At least five times in Laker history, they have won that many in ONE season. I’ve witness most of those seasons.
*only five (5) times in NBA history have the Lakers won less than 30 games, three times it’s happened in the last three seasons (27, 21, & currently 15).
*three (3) of the four (4) worst records in Laker history have been in the last three (3) years.
*last three (3) years have been the worst three (3) consecutive years in the teams’ history.
– I’m optimistic about next season. I feel the front office will prioritize the future over the past, end current steak of sub 30 game win seasons at 3, and put us back on track for # 17.
– So yes, right now I’m feeling pretty good about that.
rr says
I’m a little surprised others feel so differently.
—
You’re missing the point, which was that if the Lakers losing a lot of games is actually what makes things a nightmare for you, then there is an excellent chance that that scenario is far from over. But it is pretty clear from your posts over a period of years that what actually bothers you the most is Kobe being on the team and making big money in his dotage, not the fact that the team is 15-57.
You are not alone of course, save for the fact that most fans’ frustrations focus more on Scott or on the FO, rather than on KB. As I have said a few times, I think that for the most part, the type of fans that post here regularly have enough historical perspective to be philosophical about consistent losing if
a) There were a sense that things are getting better–that young guys are getting the time, guidance and opportunity to improve and are doing so.
b) There were a sense that the FO has a reasonable and realistic plan for putting together the roster.
c) There were a sense that the guy coaching the team is the right fit and knows what he’s doing.
Having Kobe on the team, as well as guys like Nick Young and Lou Williams, having Byron as the coach, and the zigs, zags, oddities, and small drama of the FO makes believing in a-c problematic.
LordMo says
You folks know that ol’ Lord Mo been hard on JRandle but its tough love!
So now I’m going to give him some credit! Way to ball out young fella!!!
Keep it up!!!
Get in that weight room & keep working on your mid-range game this summer.
To improve your defensive I recommend soccer footwork drills to improve your lateral movement which is usually ones issue on D.
But even ol’ LordMo has been encouraged by your play since the Golden State game!
@matt
Nice chart but still way too early to tell. But for my money I still say Zach Lavine was the player to take at the spot the Lakers picked that year. But who knew besides ol’ LordMo! Wiggins, Gordon & LaVine look like the best players out of that draft. But keep an eye out for Dougie Buckets in Chi-Town and Embiid in Philly. Different players with a myriad of skills each trying to learn their craft and fit into the expectations heaped upon them. Only time will tell!
@Anon
Buddy Hield is a nice player and solid 2 guard. But just a 2 guard and while a prolific scorer in college I see good solid pro at the next level. I would take Brown, Rabb or JacobP over him… u draft for potential so swing big. If Brown develops his perimeter game then watchout. Rabb is a 10 year starter @ PF just needs weight. Can hold his own with the big boys now. JacobP just plain good and solid… soo smart and has gotten better every year. Bender also is supposed to be really really good. So lets not get caught up in NCAA hype trying to market itself and end up drafting the next Sean May.
A Horse With No Name says
“Get in that weight room & keep working on your mid-range game this summer.
To improve your defensive I recommend soccer footwork drills to improve your lateral movement which is usually ones issue on D.”
Sometimes I just can’t help myself: Weight room? Randle spent last year in the weight room. He currently weighs 250lbs and is one of the most powerful guys in the league at his size. Like seriously, haven’t you noticed how he moves guys to snare rebounds? They bounce off him. Did you notice that Zack Randolf, a noted post bully, can’t back down Randle? Lateral movement? Randle has remarkable lateral quickness. It was one of his stellar assets coming out of college. Please check out some tape. Most recently, watch Kyrie Irving try to get by Randle on the perimeter in their last game. He doesn’t and Randle disrupts his dribble forcing a turnover (We can agree on Randle working on his jumper–duh.)
“Nice chart but still way too early to tell. But for my money I still say Zach Lavine was the player to take at the spot the Lakers picked that year. But who knew besides ol’ LordMo! Wiggins, Gordon & LaVine look like the best players out of that draft. ”
I’d say “ol’ Lord Mo,” that your self-administered pat on the back is unwarranted. I like Zach Lavine’s skills and athleticism, but he’s pretty dang dumb–which he proves over and over with poor decision making and erratic play. Gordon might turn out to be a decent to very good player but his skill level doesn’t match up with his athleticism. Randle clearly outplayed him in their last match up.
Your draft prospects (@Anon) are solid and I agree with them.
matt says
Missed zach lavine
2nd year 14 pts, 3 ast, 3 reb
LordMo says
@Horse
Do not need to watch tape of Julius. Saw him play for years when he was growing up in TX. Ol’ LordMo was heavily involved in the AAU Basketball circuit back in the day.