Julius Randle’s career in the NBA career got off to a rough start last season. The seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft went down with a season-ending leg injury the first game of his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers and was forced to watch from the sidelines.
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Although Randle was unable to contribute on the basketball floor during his rookie season, the 20-year-old hopes to make an impact immediately next season. Former Kentucky Wildcats teammate, Andrew Harrison, believes Randle will make that impact for the Lakers. Harrison praised Randle saying the following, according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register:
Former UK teammate Aaron Harrison says Julius Randle "will have a great next season…Physically gifted, just really great offensively."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) May 14, 2015
The Lakers will get their first taste of what the future might be like during the upcoming NBA Summer League in July. Randle is expected to be back on the floor for Los Angeles alongside Jordan Clarkson and the players the team will acquire in the 2015 NBA Draft on June 25.
Ironically enough, Harrison might end up joining his former Kentucky teammate in purple and gold. Harrison is expected to be selected late in the first round or at some point in the second round of the draft. Although not considered the top-tier talent coming out of Kentucky, Harrison may attract the Lakers with the team having the 27th and 34th overall picks.
Andrew’s twin, Aaron Harrison, is also a player out of Kentucky the Lakers might consider in the draft with most expecting him to be taken in the second round.
Other notable Wildcats that have made themselves eligible for the upcoming draft include Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker, Trey Lyles and Dakari Johnson.
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