Julius Randle isn't worried about being part of trade offers: 'That stuff is not in my control'

Julius Randle has the potential to be one of the more versatile big men in the league, but that's no assurance when it comes to his future with the Lakers.

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft last month, Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle had seen his name tossed around in trade talks.

Much of this centered around the Lakers' pursuit of All-Star Paul George that included Randle being a part of trade offer that also consisted of the 27th and 28th overall pick in this year's draft. However, the Indiana Pacers elected to bypass the offer and ultimately move him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

During a recent interview with Mark Medina of the Orange County Register, Randle voiced no concern about being mentioned in trade chatter ahead of next season.

“That stuff is not in my control,” Randle said. “What happened and what didn’t, I don’t know. But at the end of the day, all I can control is just me working on my game and get prepared for the next season.”

Randle has absolutely no control of what the Lakers' plans are with him as he's set to enter the final year of his rookie contract worth $13.5 million. Los Angeles also holds the option of presenting him a qualifying offer worth $5.5 million that would make him a restricted free agent next summer.

The 22-year-old has done his part this summer by getting into great physical condition while putting on a strong showing in the Drew League over the week. This could inevitably be a make-or-break season for Randle with the Lakers as it could dictate the team's interest in bringing him back beyond this upcoming year.