As the Los Angeles Lakers’ highest pick since James Worthy was selected number one back in 1982, young Julius Randle comes into this season with some very big expectations.
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Randle, however, is well aware of pressure that he will be under, and seems to be inviting the expectations as he told ESPN LA 710 that he hopes to be the next in line to lead the Lakers via Silver Screen & Roll:
"Hopefully the torch is passed to me. Hopefully I can fill his shoes. Hopefully I can be half as good as him." – Randle on Kobe
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersBlog_SSR) September 30, 2014
Being the face of the franchise and leading the Lakers is something that likely won’t be happening anytime soon for Randle, but the fact that he is welcoming that pressure and wants to be a leader is a good sign of how he sees himself.
Randle grew up a fan of the Lakers and Kobe especially, so taking the reins from Bryant would be a dream come true for the young forward. Filling Kobe’s shoes is a tall order however, and no one knows if Randle will be that player to do it.
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Kobe is considered by many to be the greatest player to ever wear the purple and gold, which is saying a lot considering the number of stars the Lakers have had over the years. Wanting to follow in his footsteps takes a lot of confidence, and we will soon see if Randle will be up to the challenge.
[divide]Lakers GM Kupchak On Kobe, Steve Nash And Championship Expectations