The Los Angeles Lakers are in the process of a youth movement and one of the keys to that movement is last season’s lottery pick Julius Randle.
After breaking his fibula in last season’s opening game, Randle has returned this season looking to make up for lost time.
Randle has been extremely impressive in preseason so far for the Lakers, and looks to be one of the more promising young forwards in the league. With that, the Lakers announced that they have decided to pick up the third-year option on Randle, locking him in for the 2016-17 season.
One of the stars of the Lakers preseason so far, Randle has impressed many fans with his ability to handle the ball in transition and make plays for others, as well as his brute strength on the block. He has been difficult to stop for most opponents so far and the Lakers hope that continues.
Take a look at the official Lakers press release below:
EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised their team option for the 2016-17 season on forward Julius Randle, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Randle, the seventh overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, appeared in one game as a rookie, scoring two points in his professional debut on October 28th against Houston before suffering a fractured tibia in his right leg. The second-year player out of Kentucky has started in all five Lakers preseason contests in 2015, averaging 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.20 steals in 24.5 minutes.