In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 94-86 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Julius Randle had 17 points and eight rebounds. With Kobe Bryant resting, the Lakers rookie is beginning to get comfortable playing in the NBA and his confidence has grown with each passing game.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —
After the win, Randle was asked about going coast-to-coast numerous times and says he wants to be the next Kobe Bryant, not Shaquille O’Neal via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
Julius Randle on his numerous coast-to-coast tries tonight: "I don't want to be the next Shaq. I want to be the next Kobe."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 23, 2014
At the beginning of the preseason, Randle was still adjusting his game to the speed of the NBA. While Randle still hesitates on some wide open jump shots, he is starting to settle down and finding ways to be an impact player in his first season.
Since the start of training camp, head coach Byron Scott has been very tough on the 19-year-old, but says he ultimately cares about the rookie. With mentors in Bryant, Steve Nash and Carlos Boozer, Randle is in an advantageous position in Los Angeles.
[divide]Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Comments On ESPN Article
