Spirits around the Los Angeles Lakers had been pretty high recently as the team was on a three-game winning streak before falling to the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, a rift between Julius Randle and Byron Scott had developed as well.
Randle was admittedly frustrated with his lack of minutes and being taken out during the fourth quarter of the Lakers win over Phoenix. Scott reportedly called Randle out in front of the team afterwards for his lack of defense and told Randle he needed to ‘grow up.’
That issue now seems to be behind them both as Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles reports the two had a conversation:
Byron said that he initiated a conversation with Julius Randle today to let him know he still believes in him.
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) January 6, 2016
Ahmed also noted that Randle was in better spirits and Scott let him know that he’s going to be tough on him:
Randle does seem to be smiling a lot more and much looser. Byron told Julius, sometimes "I'm going to be a you-know-what hole"
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) January 6, 2016
This is a very smart move on behalf of Scott to initiate the conversation as the Lakers can not afford to hurt the confidence of one of their most promising young players. Scott has, at times, failed to communicate with his players and that has strained relationships.
Getting the most out of Randle is one of the most important goals for the Lakers. While things may be slightly on hold while Kobe Bryant is still in uniform, Randle and the rest of the young Lakers are the future and making sure they are at their best should still be a top priority.