Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton has offered a challenge that may make or break forward Julius Randle's career. As reported by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Walton has challenged and criticized the former lottery pick, who's been at the forefront of trade rumors in the early part of the season.
To recall, the Lakers opted not to extend Randle's rookie contract.
“You didn't get an extension, go prove to us that we were wrong,” Walton said. “It is not that we don't want you. That is not it at all. Play with that chip on your shoulder. So it was more along the lines of using anything that happens in life, whether it is the contract extension or people who don't believe, use that as motivation to become better.”
His statements serve both as motivation and as a challenge to Randle. For Walton, he has to continually demand more from his best players, particularly for the 23-year-old.
At 6-foot-9 and at least 250 lbs, Randle carries his colossal structure rather easily. This has allowed him to bully his opponents either thru drives to the hoop or going up for rebounds. His physique and talent are well-translated into the numbers he logs in every night.
Randle is one of nine players who are averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes this season (minimum of 1,000 minutes played) alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid, among others. This year, Randle averages 15.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists nightly.
His contract situation has hinged heavily on the Lakers' potential summer splash with big-name stars such as LeBron James and Paul George entering the market.
The Lakers have until June 30 to extend Randle a qualifying offer valued at $5.5 million. It will make him make him a restricted free agent with a cap hold of $12.4 million. With the way things are going, it's looking good for the young stud.
Follow Us
Subscribe