Coming into the season, one of the biggest things Los Angeles Lakers fans had to look forward to was the development of rookie first-round pick Julius Randle. That optimism lasted only one game as Randle broke his fibula in the Lakers’ season opener against the Houston Rockets.
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Randle has been rehabbing religiously since his surgery, and according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, has been cleared for full weight bearing, non-contact activities:
Julius Randle has been cleared for full weight bearing activity, NO contact.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2015
This is good news for the progress of Randle. Head coach Byron Scott has said that Randle is expected to play on the Lakers’ summer league team and this is another step in that process.
Even though he hasn’t been able to play this season, Randle believes he has still grown a lot this season. He has done extensive film study on many of the league’s best power forwards and has become an ‘extreme student of the game.’ He also said that the injury has built up his confidence and belief in himself.
Randle is expected to be a major part of the Lakers future. Randle coming back next season along with Kobe Bryant is one of many reasons Lakers fans are holding out hope for next year. Armed with multiple draft picks and ample salary cap room, the Lakers will look to be a much different team next season, and Randle will be a big part of that as long as he can come back and fulfill his vast potential.
[divide]Lakers Coach Byron Scott ‘Searching’ For Players That Can Close Games