The Los Angeles Lakers selected Julius Randle with the seventh pick in the NBA Draft, and while he is considered one of the more safe, and NBA-ready prospects in the draft, there is something that worries people about him.
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There were reports that Randle will need foot surgery due to a high school injury that didn’t heal properly. Randle insisted that he did not need surgery, and general manager Mitch Kupchak agreed, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
Kupchak reiterated that Randle does not require surgery at the present time, but if they opt for a procedure, he isn't fretting it
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 27, 2014
Randle and the Lakers are not out of the woods, however. While they do not believe that Randle needs surgery, he will still meet with the Lakers’ team doctors to be sure.
While the injury isn’t serious and is not something that should linger around throughout his career, the time frame for recovery could be longer than fans want to hear. According to McMenamin, Randle could miss the beginning of the season if he has surgery, though Randle believes he will be ready for training camp regardless:
Kupchak said that if Julius Randle opts to have surgery, he'll miss 6 mos. max. Randle says he'd be ready by training camp (3 mos.)
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 27, 2014
By all accounts, Randle seems to have that warrior mentality that great players have. Even if he does need the surgery, he gives off the impression that he will do everything possible get back on the floor immediately.
It is always a little scary when a team’s top draft pick may miss training camp and the beginning of the season. But Randle’s mindset about everything has to help fans rest a little easier.
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Lakers Forward Julius Randle First Phone Conference
