Rookie power forward Julius Randle could be thrust into the spotlight sooner rather than later in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. All indications point to veteran Carlos Boozer being the starter at the four spot, but Randle has an opportunity to change that if able to make an impression on both ends of the floor.
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Kentucky head coach John Calipari has nothing but high praise for Randle after only one season with the Wildcats. Calipari made an interesting comparison to former Laker great Shaquille O’Neal when asked about how Randle would adjust to the NBA on FOX 11 Overtime, via Serena Winters:
"Understand in college he (@J30_RANDLE) was triple teamed every game. Shaq is the last guy to be played the way he was played.” – Calipari
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 25, 2014
With Randle playing alongside proven veterans like Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Carlos Boozer, Nick Young and Jeremy Lin, the rookie will have a chance to shine without the threat of double or triple teams. That being said, Calipari has a point to a certain extent, but it remains to be seen how the 19-year-old will play under the bright lights in Los Angeles when given the opportunity.
The seventh overall pick will likely come off the bench to start the season with veteran Carlos Boozer seemingly on pace to start at power forward under Byron Scott. There’s a chance Randle could slip into a starting role, but Boozer is the safe bet for the starter at the four spot.
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