It is a real mystery. I agree with you that it made no sense at all. I argued it and was angry about it for much of the early year. I'm glad that I was vindicated with great play from Randle since he made the switch. It feels like a few of us have been defending this kid for a long time now. It's great to see most folks here are appreciating what he's done and acknowledging his improvement. I still feel like Randle could get that outside shot going ala Ibaka and Griffin. Neither of those guys were shooters when they came in the league and were similar in size and game to Julius. Randle's made some nice looking mid-range shots this year, but lately he's pretty reluctant. Then again, look at his shooting percentage going up and up and it's hard to argue with what he's doing right now. He's just so dominant on the block currently I don't really want him going away from it. But I think he could add that jumper in his arsenal over the next couple years. If he does, watch the heck out.
Maybe we can give Luke some credit? Bear with me, Julius is not without his faults. He has a big ceiling, but he's also very stubborn and doesn't possess the highest IQ at times. He's starting to settle into his role and most importantly, playing in control. Something Luke has emphasized with him this season, because we all know he can be a bull in china shop. Some players just need a benching or two to get the message. I hate to make the comparison with Phil (I mean, Luke was his protege of sorts), but he did the same thing with Kobe. If you're doing something wrong, or if you're continually making the same mistakes, he's going to pull you aside to think about what why you got pulled out. Also, he's playing more at his natural PF position next to Lopez rather than against typical 5's which he struggled early with. I'm happy for Ju, he's playing really well of late and I hope he can keep up the consistency and improve his game more. He needs to shorten his dribble on his post ups and work on that right hand of his if he's gonna live in the paint.
As always, well said Weez. This is a Randle I've never seen before honestly. His Usage% is increasing as he becomes our 1st option really in the half-court. Very frequently we'll give it to him on the left block, run some simple weakside movement and let Julius go to work. As the team's trust in him has increased, he's stepped up to deliver. I'm seeing less stupid fouls, greater control and focus, and of course a dedication to the defensive end that he just hasn't ever displayed in previous years. He's challenging shots, he's active with his hands, and he's making an impact like he's literally never done before. For the first time in his career, Julius's defensive rating is lower than his offensive rating which is what you want. We're seeing increased chemistry between he and his teammates and lately a more buoyant attitude. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers have told him they're holding on to him for the year with the way he's been playing. In the last three games: 19.7/8.7/3.7 with nearly a block a game.
to play devil's advocate: maybe randle's only playing well now because he was benched earlier? i.e., he learned how to do more of the right things and less of the wrong things because the coach had the guts to hold him accountable for improvement? also, nance was playing well early, and according to lots of advanced stats, nance is like, our best player. so there's that issue.
Not impossible. Who knows if he would have had the gumption to remain as consistent as he's been. Consistency has always been a huge deal with Randle. Maybe he was held out in the beginning as a way to tell him, "This isn't your spot because of six-pack abs." It's entirely possible that the reason he is remaining consistent and focused is he knows Luke and the staff have the balls to sit him if he doesn't.
^^^Agree wholeheartedly fellas! Earn your spot and no handouts. Its yet another reason I find it necessary to surround our youth with stars. You either step your game up and come along for the ride or find your a** on the bench or in another uniform. I also want to pivot and bring up how the Lou extension with the Clips is further proof that the summer of 2018 free agency is not going to be as frivolous as it was in 2016. This should affect Jules and his desire for the max. I just don't see it and maybe that is why LA might consider keeping him if the cap hit is below market value.
Nance does do a lot of good things out there coaches like. Just because Randle is growing and leaving Nance behind doesn't mean Nance isn't a fundamentally sound player.
We get it. It wasn't smart of Luke and the staff. I don't think we'll ever know the answer, but maybe Luke wants to keep it that way. idk
KCP: spot up/pick & pop shooter BI: slasher, iso scorer BLo: post scorer/stretch center (although I would like to limit his attempts out there). Zo was projected to set these guys up, but if you add Jules to that group, there's just too many mouths to feed in that lineup. Larry has just as much of a motor as Jules does but doesn't have the god given athleticism and scoring skillset that Jules does. So Nance becomes the guy that sets up all the screens and does the intangibles to help that starting crew score. Meanwhile Jules comes off the bench and gains confidence as the go-to guy on offense with the second unit eating off the lesser talented opposing 2nd units. Makes alot of sense to me. You can even argue that Jules confidence against opposing 2nd units is what is helping him right now as a starter. Meanwhile Kuz was also eating off those opposing 2nd units and gaining a full head of confidence until he was forced into the starting lineup with the Nance injury. He did well for a while, but as teams gameplanned for him and he had to score against better talent, he kind of hit that "rookie wall". Confidence is a real b****.
that didnt answer my question...randle had to play consistent super efficient ball along with multiple injuries to nance/kuzma (along with lotta losing) to "earn" the start but nance "earned" his by doing small things but pretty much non functioning offensive player besides dunks n put backs
Not that some GM wouldn't give up a first perhaps for Randle if they weren't possibly going to lose him after the season to an offer from Cuban.
I was frustrated seeing nance start over Randle, but i do think benching him made him what he is now. A bit more humble, playing defense and playing in control a bit more. Once he gets that elbow mid ranger, look out.
LOL. Screw that. This isn’t someone we HAVE to trade for space like Clarkson. I’m perfectly fine keeping Randle around until free agency if all teams are going to offer is a 2nd. That’s laughable compared to some players that have gotten 1sts, almost insulting.
