After dropping three preseason games in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers found a way to win Sunday night. The team rode an impressive second half effort to end up victorious, 98-91.
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Several Lakers played well during the stretch including rookie Julius Randle. For his efforts, coach Byron Scott gave him high marks postgame, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
I asked Byron if Randle's effort tonight was finally matching where he wanted it to be: "His effort was great [and] his communication…"
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 20, 2014
on the defensive end was much, much better. Offensively he was really good. He made some mistakes, but it wasn't because of lack of effort."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 20, 2014
Coming off the bench, Randle scored eight points, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked two shots. He was efficient in 20 minutes of action, getting a basket at the rim and hitting his mid range jumpers. For the first time since the first game, Randle managed to shoot over 50 percent from the floor.
Randle’s ball handling skills were also on display Sunday, taking the ball up the court hitting teammates in transition. Although he didn’t register an assist on the night, his pass to Wayne Ellington led to free throws.
Before Sunday’s game, Randle struggled to find any consistency in the preseason. Scott called out his effort following the team’s loss Thursday wanting Randle to perform at high level every night.
The Lakers took Randle with the seventh overall pick resulting in lofty expectations. He will be backing up Carlos Boozer during the regular season just as he has done in the exhibition games.
The 19-year-old is still adjusting to the NBA after spending a year at Kentucky and will have his next opportunity Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.
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