This era of the NBA is one that is much different from previous years. Gone are the days of true centers who stay in the paint. New big men are now expected to be able to step out and hit mid-range jumpers, and even three-pointers.
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‘Small ball’ has been a major component of NBA teams, and very few teams employ two traditional big men. As such, it is imperative that big men coming into the league are able to adjust to smaller lineups, something Randle believes he will be able to do according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
Randle said he's confident that he can play in a "small ball" line up, that he has the versatility to step out on the perimeter.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 30, 2014
Most people already have Randle penciled in to the Lakers starting lineup for next season. Randle, for his part, says he has to earn that spot, and Kupchak believes he will do exactly that as well.
Depending on who the Lakers bring in this off-season, Randle could see some time at power forward and center, but Randle believes he will fit in regardless of position, as he said during his introductory press conference according to Trudell:
Randle doesn't know for sure what position he'll play, but thinks he can be "interchangeable" in the front court dep. on system/matchups.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 30, 2014
Randle sounds far more mature than a normal 19-year-old rookie. Depending on what the Lakers do with Pau Gasol, Randle could team up with him to make a very formidable front line.
The Lakers will have a lot of options once free agency begins at midnight. No one knows who the Lakers will bring in, but regardless of who comes in, Randle will find his spot.
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Lakers Forward Julius Randle First Phone Conference