After experiencing the worst season since moving to Los Angeles, the Lakers selected Julius Randle with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and have high expectations for the 19-year-old.
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In the Lakers’ two preseason games, Randle has averaged 11 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22.5 minutes off the bench. Following the loss against the Golden State Warriors, Kobe Bryant assessed the rookie’s performance so far via LakersNation.com reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe on Julius Randle: "He's still getting his feet wet. The biggest thing for me is to see him trust his jumpshot."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 10, 2014
In his first two games in the NBA, Randle has shown flashes of his potential, but has not been able to trust his jumpshot yet — often hesitating resulting in a 42.8 field goal percentage. Byron Scott also mentioned that the rookie looked “lost” and Randle acknowledged that he made a lot of “rookie mistakes” against the Warriors.
While it will be an ongoing process, Randle is still adjusting to the speed of the game and getting into NBA shape. Although the Lakers have high expectations, they are slowly bringing Randle along as he continues to learn from Scott and Bryant.
[divide]Julius Randle Responds To Byron Scott Saying He Was A Bit Lost Out On The Floor