I know it's early, but I want to see who calls this one... Who will be these new look Lakers franchise player? Who will take this team on their back and lead them to a title? if you had to pick only one young player, who would it be? I know with the early Pre-Season play it's easy to say Randle, but Clarkson is looking reeeeaallly good out there too. I honestly can't decide between the two. Clarkson's just a second year player and he's pretty good at everything while Randle still has a few holes in his game, like knocking down that open jumper defenses give him. At the same time, Randle looks to be a dominating player out there. He's right, so far, no one can guard him. But Clarkson's a better defender right now IMO, and he's only going to get better. Clarkson's also more of a vocal leader out there from what I've seen. Russell's a little too young and raw out there for us to really know what we have in him, but as he develops, who knows... So, who you got?
I don't know if I'd call Clarkson a "franchise player" but I think he's an all-star if he stays healthy and continues to develop. He kinda reminds me of Eddie Jones in the sense that he can do a little bit of everything. Randle has a lot of potential. I don't know if I'd call him a "franchise player" yet. People are describing him as a hybrid of Lamar Odom and Zach Randolph. Neither of those guys are franchise players. A year of experience will give us a better idea.
It's Julius Randle. The kid is unguardable when he's on. Clarkson and Russell are there to make Randle's job easier. Also Durant when he comes home.
Clarkson and Randle are our future. I still have to say Clarkson. I've said he will be a superstar before and I still believe that. I like how he goes at people, how quickly he adjusts and the tireless work ethic. Regardless our future looks good.
Randle. He has the "IT" quality pouring out of him. When he's out there your eyes are drawn to him and when he gets the ball you can't help but get hyped with anticipation about how he is going to attack his defender, or if he's pushing it up the floor after a rebound if he's going to take it all the way or draw and kick. He's one of the most exciting players I've seen a while. He's a constant mismatch on offense.
Durant. If you're asking if I see franchise player on a championship team in Randle or Clarkson, the answer is no, neither. Franchise player on a championship team is rare, hell we don't even know if Durant is that as he got there and lost, and he's the a top 3 NBA player. You give me one player in the NBA right now and I probably take Curry (or A Davis) though, that guy is ridiculous. Randle, Clarkson, nice players, loooooong way to go before they are franchise guys. If I have to pick one I pick Randle though. He's a beast, and if he develops a jumper he will be unstoppable. Clarkson is very good, but he's also 24, I don't think his ceiling is as high as some do, I'm not sure I see All-Star in him, I see potential for that in Randle.
I love Randle, but Clarkson has that cold blooded confidence where if I'm choosing a youngster to take that game winner, there's no question who's number I'm calling for that shot. Making plays in the last minutes of the game win games and championships. As of right now, I see Clarkson being that guy in a few years.
If Russell and Randle can be what I think they can be, and end up dry in free agency, Clarkson is the guy I see traded with other pieces for a star...
It's obviously Larry Nance Jr Seriously tho, Clarkson is very advanced but the flashes I'm seeing from Randle tends me to lean towards him
Likely Randle once he settles into his freakish body. He's like a 16 year old given the keys to a Ferrari Enzo and still figuring out what it can do.
Randle has the attitude and the skills to match. Yes he's still young but I like that he didn't back down from Green and even mouthed off after drawing a foul from him. That's the mentality that Kobe has. Right now Clarkson has the edge as far as experience and I would trust him more at end game situations, but in a few years, I see Randle straight yanking that torch from anyone who thinks they have a hand on it. Of course if things may be different if we do land Durant...
Russell. I'm not saying he'll be great, but if anyone is gonna be the man on this current team, it has to be him or it's not happening. Clarkson is good and will be all star one day, but will never be in the MVP discussion. Randle can be a perennial all star and stat machine, but I don't see him putting the team on his back. Not yet at least. IMO, it'll take another high draft pick, Kobe's $$$ on free agents, and development before any of those 3 are ready to lead a team capable of doing damage in the playoffs.
agree with the last two: Russell has the highest ceiling, so that's the way I'd vote in this scenario. I'm quite happy with all three and glad I don't actually have to pick one, though.
