Despite only coaching Julius Randle for the first time this season, Luke Walton already has a deep understanding of what he has to do to become more effective during games.
The 36-year-old head coach admitted that he is impressed with the improvements the 22-year-old has had, but also added, via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, that he prefers seeing him near the basket and trying to score inside the paint, instead of settling for jumpers. Not to discount his ability to knock down some shots from the perimeter, but Walton said that he tends to struggle from there.
“Julius plays with a lot of feel, especially on the offensive end. When he’s attacking the rim and making the pass when the pass is there and when the helpside defender stays home on his shooters, that’s when I think he’s at his best.”
“He struggles when he wants to float around the perimeter and shoot jump shots. We’re fine with him shooting it. His shot has gotten a lot better. But we still need him to be a big man that is a vicious roller and someone that is constantly attacking the glass and putting pressure on the defense.”
Now in his third year as a pro, the former Kentucky Wildcat has increased his points average in each of the past three seasons, and is up to 13.2 this campaign, to go along with 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. More importantly, he has given the Los Angeles faithful more reasons to believe that their team can once again be a winning group.
With Randle showing glimpses of his true potential, coupled with the guidance of Walton's wisdom, the Lakers' rebuild is sure to receive a huge boost as long as the young power forward continues his improvement.
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