The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2015-16 NBA season winless through the first three games. However, in last night’s 103-93 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Julius Randle was a bright spot as he finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and four steals in 34 minutes.
After defending him for most of the night, Dirk Nowitzki had high praise for Randle according to Lakers Nation reporter, Serena Winters:
Dirk Nowitzki on Julius Randle: "He's going to be tough in this league. He puts the ball on the floor like no other PF in this league."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 2, 2015
Nowitzki continuing on Randle: "He's strong, he's athletic, he can finish. He's a tough match-up for a lot of 4s in this league."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 2, 2015
Since preseason, Randle has shown a unique skillset that is very rare for a power forward. Although Randle uses his strength well, he also has the ability to rebound and push the basketball for transition opportunities. As a result, Kobe Bryant has previously called his teammate ‘Lamar Odom in Zach Randolph’s body.’
After only playing one game in his rookie season, Randle has lost a lot of weight during the off-season and his play provides great optimism for the future of the franchise. Although he struggled in the first two games of the season, his game against the Mavericks should provide him with a lot of confidence as he looks to build on this performance.
In three games, Randle is averaging 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26.7 minutes.