Since the beginning of training camp, Byron Scott has been noticeably hard on rookie first-round pick, Julius Randle. Obviously a talented player, Randle has been the subject of some ‘tough love’ from both Scott and Kobe Bryant.
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For his part, Randle has responded well to it all, playing his best game of the preseason with 17 points and eight rebounds in the Lakers 94-86 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Afterwards, Scott revealed a little conversation he and Kobe had with the rookie via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Byron Scott says him and Kobe both talked to Julius Randle and told him that as long as they're staying on him, it means they care.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 23, 2014
Part of being a leader is understanding how to push the buttons of the other players on the team and both Scott and Kobe understand that being hard on Randle regularly is good for him. The Lakers are counting on him to contribute immediately and he seems to be up to the challenge.
Randle grew up a Lakers fan and idolized Kobe as a child, so he is relishing the opportunity to learn from his childhood hero. By taking the lessons given to him and putting them to work on the court, Randle will have no problem fulfilling his vast potential.
It is important to remember that Randle is only 19 years old, but he seems to have the right mindset to be successful in the NBA. With teachers like this, the chance to realize that success is even greater.
[divide]Lakers Post-Game: Julius Randle Talks ‘Tough Love’ From Coaches