The Los Angeles Lakers‘ young core is bound to see plenty of struggles in a fiercely competitive Western Conference, but also see a lot of talent bloom before the very eyes of the coaching staff.

Julius Randle is one of those young pups looking to make a statement this season, after an unfortunate start to his NBA career, when he broke his leg just 14 minutes into his pro debut, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

“We haven't had an injury like that, that early in the season, [and] to that young a player,” Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak told ESPN's Baxter Holmes. “It would've been really easy for him to get discouraged. With a veteran, it's easier to deal with, but [for a] first game, 19 years old, and his mom was here, his family was here, it was rough. It was a rough night. It was tough on him.”

The Lakers' staff did their due diligence, encouraging a young Randle during his surgery and recovery process.

“It made me know that I played for an organization that cared,” Randle said. “My teammates and coaches — everybody cared.”

The 6-foot-9 power forward bounced back in his second year, averaging 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in only 28.2 minutes per game.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Lakers fans will mock Mike Bibby's 2002 Western Conference Finals claims
Lakers fans will mock Mike Bibby’s 2002 Western Conference Finals claimsJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center.
Key LeBron James, Luka Doncic Lakers teammate undergoes surgeryPreston Byers ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Stephen A. Smith calls out Lakers’ Luka Doncic for ‘lacking leadership’Julian Ojeda ·
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) finishes off a dunk in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena.
Russell Westbrook’s 10 greatest accomplishments, rankedSpencer See ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the fourth quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the Lakers logo in the background
Alex Caruso reveals differences between Thunder, Lakers NBA Finals runsJosue Pavon ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Magic Johnson sends Luka Doncic brutally honest ‘championship’ messageDavid Yapkowitz ·

“There's more confidence, and it just comes with playing, getting back used to your body,” said Randle.

Through the first three games of the young season, the 21-year-old has averaged 15 points on 67.9 percent shooting, to go with 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, a steal, and a block. While that might not be the biggest sample size, Randle has exhibited an ability to make plays for others, as well as an eagerness to make use of his nature-given talents and push the ball on the break, creating opportunities for teammates or for himself to get easy buckets.

“We don't really have to run an offense when he pushes the ball like that,” said teammate D'Angelo Russell.

As he works from game to game, the Kentucky product is bound to see more minutes and more opportunities to close games alongside Russell and Jordan Clarkson, making an even bigger impression on new coach Luke Walton.

“I feel great,” Randle said. “My body feels better than ever. Just getting back to being me.”