Julius Randle Discussion: Beast, Ox, Monster, Lotus Flower

The only thing that I'm unsure of for Randle is whether or not he'll be able to defend SFs. He should be able to perform it offensively no problem.

 

I doubt very much whether he could defend SGs, but he should be able to defend a lot of SFs. Despite his great athleticism, Randle is still 6'9" and built like a tank. It's a lot to ask for him to defend SFs regularly, let alone SGs. In spots? Sure, but I wouldn't want to put that kind of strain on him constantly.

Like I said though, the big thing is how much of a mismatch he would create offensively. If/when his jump shot starts falling with regularity we can run him at SF and present a big, strong lineup with him as point forward on the fast break. He's too big and strong for most SFs so if we had a PF and C who could just hit a 15 footer or so, Randle can punish his defenders in the post.

I really think he could be the next coming of Worthy for us with his own style of course.

 

He'll definitely struggle against Anthony Davis, but who won't? In the other cases, we might have to switch him onto the non-shooters and tell him to box out.

A guy like Aldridge will just shoot over him consistently. Pau I think would do the same, but I think Randle is about a year away from shutting down Pau in the post at this stage in Pau's career. Pau would have to try to shoot over him and I'd be alright betting on Pau missing those shots. Duncan is an enigma who will retire soon so that should help.

I think the opposite should certainly be considered as well: none of those guys can guard Randle off the dribble. He's way too quick for them on the perimeter. Still though I see some great uniqueness in Randle's game.

 

I honestly think him slimming down was done with a nudge from management. I think we're going after Love, and I think Love has already told the Lakers through back channels that he will sign here. I recently changed my "opening night lineup" in my thread because all the pieces seem to be fitting together a little too perfectly to ignore. We'll probably sign Rondo with our leftover cash and have 3 of the most brittle "stars" in the NBA in our starting five.

We better get Towns if we are going to try to run with Love and Randle as our forwards.

 

I think it was a nudge from management because him carrying around that baby weight was putting strain on his lower body. I don't think the Lakers know for sure they're getting Love, but I bet they think they have a shot.

Besides, Randle was going to need a jumper anyway. He can blow by a defender, but eventually everyone was going to dare him to shoot. He needs it regardless of who we sign. Heck if we draft Okafor, Randle will need a jumper to space the floor.

 

He didn't have that much baby weight. I think his slimmer look has come at the sacrifice of a little muscle as well. He's probably doing higher reps at lower weights. His body coming our of college was pretty damn solid. yes, I think he lost a little fat, but he looks slimmer in the muscle category too.

 

Actually if he's smaller now it's probably because he stopped lifting as much. I haven't seen a lot of recent pictures, but he doesn't look like he lost a ton of muscle mass.

He has said in interviews that he and the head trainer for the Lakers have put together a workout/diet that have cut his fat down quite a bit. He was carrying probably an extra 10-12 pounds last summer heading into Summer League and I'm guessing he still was a little heavy when he got hurt. Now he's just getting in better overall shape which means shedding extra weight to prolong his career.

 

Dammit I love that.

 

I see Chris Bosh type form but with way better handles.

Love those two short videos! Just giddy with excitement for Summer League