The Los Angeles Lakers will look drastically different heading into the 2017-18 NBA season. Along with the arrival of rookie phenom Lonzo Ball, the Lakers could have as many as three new starters to start next season with Julius Randle being one of two starters returning.
Although Randle is currently with the team and expected to be a starter in the season opener in October, the Kentucky product was mentioned on more than one occasion in trade rumors over the past few months. Randle and Jordan Clarkson were the two most notable names dangled in trade scenarios involving the Lakers acquiring Paul George who ultimately landed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Randle recently talked about hearing his name in trade rumors and what his mindset is moving forward, via Mark Medina of the OC Register:
“That stuff is not in my control,” Randle said. “What happened and what didn’t, I don’t know. But at the end of the day, all I can control is just me working on my game and get prepared for the next season.”
With Randle’s future uncertain, the fourth-year forward is getting ahead of the game in terms of getting his body in the best shape possible before the 2017-18 campaign. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka informed the team they needed to come into training camp in the best shape of their lives and so far Randle is living up to the promise to do so.
During the offseason, Randle has been on a mission to improve his body working with personal trainer Amoila Cesar. Even though he has made tremendous strides to get in shape, it remains to be seen whether he’s done the same to improve his game for the upcoming season.