The Los Angeles Lakers have brought in a lot of new, young talent this off-season. One of the players who fans are looking forward most to seeing is the team’s first-round draft pick, Julius Randle.
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Many expect Randle to come in and have a large role on the team immediately, but at Lakers Media Day, Byron Scott reiterated that Randle still has to earn his spot in the rotation:
He still has to come in and earn his minutes. He has to earn that respect from the veteran guys.
The Lakers have a lot of depth in the frontcourt this season, and Randle will have his work cut out for him carving out consistent minutes. Jordan Hill, Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis and Ryan Kelly will all be fighting for minutes this season and it won’t be easy for Randle to beat all of these players out.
Heading into training camp, Byron Scott has spoken on what he perceives to be his likely starting lineup and he listed Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill as the likely frontcourt starters, meaning Randle may have to find his niche off the bench to begin the season.
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Randle comes into this season with a lot of expectations. The Lakers haven’t had a lottery pick since Andrew Bynum in 2005. Bynum played a major role in the Lakers championship runs in 2009 and 2010. With any luck, Randle will be able to do the same.
(H/T Silver Screen & Roll)
[divide]Lakers GM Kupchak Expects Byron Scott To ‘Hold Players Accountable’