When it comes to the amount of playing time he gets this season, Los Angeles Lakers backup forward Julius Randle has learned to expect the unexpected.
In an article published last night by Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times, Randle opened up about his role in Lakers head coach Luke Walton's lineup rotations.
“Just try to focus on controlling what I can and my energy and my effort,” Randle said of his role in coach Walton's rotation. “Same thing I’ve been saying all year. I can’t really focus on what necessarily he’s gonna do or what the rotations are going to be.”
However, Walton praised Randle for his contributions and ability to adjust on the fly, noting the unpredictability of his player rotations this season.
“I didn’t anticipate the rotation going the way it did,” Walton said. “He’s been one of our better players all year long, but you know I told him it’s his job to stay ready and be ready when he’s called on.”
Randle's name has come up in many different trade rumors lately, including one involving Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel. In just 22.4 minutes of action per contest this season off the bench, Randle has made the most out of his opportunities even though the situation is out of his control.
Per Bill Oram of the Orange County Register:
“I have no choice,” Randle said. “It’s the situation I’m in so I’m going to embrace the situation I’m in right now.”
Randle, who was drafted seventh overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, is the Lakers' sixth-leading scorer this season and is averaging 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.