It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to be very active next summer as they attempt to lure one or more big name free agents to their fold. With the rich history of the franchise, coupled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Los Angeles will always be a free agent destination regardless of its standing the past few years. However, bringing in marquee names to Los Angeles is not going to be easy at all. They face a dilemma with Julius Randle as they need to decide on what to ultimately do with him.

There is a clear logjam in their forward rotation and parting ways with the 23-year-old Kentucky product will definitely help, but they will find it very difficult to trade him for expiring contracts or even a first round pick especially with him slated to be a restricted free agent after this season. This was also the argument given by Bobby Marks of ESPN, as he believes it will be the biggest obstacle to a potential deal involving Randle.

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“The biggest obstacle is that he’ll be a restricted free agent in the offseason. In talking to teams, they feel that instead of giving up an asset or first-round pick for Randle, they can just go out and sign him. Give him an offer sheet in the summer and not give up an asset. … If [Lakers] keep him, that’s an indication that they’re going to retain him when we get into the summer.”

Keeping Randle doesn't hurt the Lakers either as his presence will add to the appeal of free agents to choose them in free agency as they have a young core learning and maturing together. That said, the team are in a very tricky situation but must come up with a decision soon. Whatever Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and the rest of their front office come up with, one thing that's certain is there will be pros and cons to it, but first thing they have to know is if there are any takers for his services.