I might sort of know what you mean. These are the last players left over that only know losing as Lakers. When I say I hope Randle is great this season, for example, I don't mean puts up big numbers. I mean I hope he's great and it results in winning games. Not being invisible for stretches, not making the dumb one on 3 out of control move to th hoop that costs us a critical late game possession, not making the defensive and mental lapses that cost us games. I'm not expecting an all-star player, but I need to see improvements and growth that lead to WINS. We can't be content anymore with just good stat games, we need to see our young guys that will be in their 3rd and 4th season take that next step.
I agree with you Weezy, any time I consider our path to the playoffs this year, it involves our 3/4th season players stepping up; notably Clarkson, Randle and Nance. Can they get their ish together and impact the game so it results in wins.
Clarkson is a little easier to deal with, he was a 2nd round pick and has outplayed his potential. Randle on the other hand has a unique skill set and was a lottery pick so I expected at least dedication game in and game out from him.
He's not over and done already. You know. What happened to logic of seeing him play this year at least until the trade deadline. Don't understand this pre-maturely closing the book on him mentally it seems like you're describing.
I definitely get this. I'm keeping an open mind to both of them but like others are saying, I need to see consistent good play from both of them.
Odom had the same sort of brainfarts and games where he just lacked energy as well, and he turned out alright (pre-trade to NO/DAL). Lamar always seemed to disappoint 70% of the fanbase until we got Gasol and he found his niche. I expect Randle to develop like Lamar but with slightly more scoring and a little less D. I wouldn't find that to be disappointing in the least bit. BTW, Odom was already 25 when he was first traded to us.
With Lopez opening up the paint and Lonzo... Youd think hes setup up for a career year in his 2nd year in the system.
i've never really questioned randle's dedication and effort. i've (loudly) questioned his basketball instincts and conditioning. i do think he'll get the lion's share of the pf minutes this year by beating the crap out of our other pfs in practice daily.
The comment below from the Brook Lopez article is why I have a problem with Randle. You can't allow everyone to score on you. To be dead last in the league is terrible. Again, he isn't flexible, but when challenged straight on Lopez transforms into an unscalable mountain. (Most of the time.) There are superior defenders at the center position, but when plopped beside Randle—who allowed the highest field goal percentage among players who defended at least five shots at the rim last season—Lopez's size becomes particularly helpful. https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/evvkqw/lets-not-sleep-on-brook-lopez
Come on Cookie. Haven't you ever felt (less than in your prime conditioning) to slither into a skimpy bikini and going to hang out on the beach or go hard to your max on the court? Look at Julius last year. He was FAT. New Julius this year. Leaping into the rafters at the Drew League to block shots. Will be flying around the court on defense this new season because it's a contract year and Nance has a 6% new body too (parachutes on the beach and all) ..... hot on his rear for playing time ...... with future Hall of Famer Kuzma chasing them both down because he can shoot. He'll be better this year .... logic says, right?
I hope Randle picks it up on the defensive end either way. Either he becomes a more valuable asset to trade or a great part of our team. It's do or die time for Randle.
