One of the biggest positives for the Los Angeles Lakers in drafting power forward Julius Randle is the belief that he is one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft.
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This fact is not lost on analyst Byron Scott, who spoke about what he believes expectations will be for Randle on Time Warner Cable SportsNet:
“I think right now the expectations right now are that he’ll be a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers.” More on @J30_RANDLE from Byron Scott.
— TWC SportsNet (@TWCSportsNet) June 27, 2014
There is definitely a spot for Randle in the starting lineup as the Lakers’ frontcourt is pretty bare at this point in time. Randle will provide scoring and rebounding immediately.
This could also be a coaching expectation by Scott, however. He is a favorite for the Lakers vacant head coaching position, so any analysis he makes could also be what he plans to do if he is eventually hired by the Lakers.
Randle had been linked to the Lakers from the beginning of the draft process. He grew up a huge Kobe Bryant fan and is extremely excited about the opportunity to play with his childhood idol.
Mitch Kupchak also seems extremely excited about adding Randle to the fold. If he is indeed a starter from day one, there will be a lot of pressure placed on him. Playing at Kentucky has surely prepared him for dealing with it.
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Lakers Pre-Draft Workout: Julius Randle On Foot, Talks First Time Meeting Kobe
