Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle headed into the NBA offseason on a mission. The Kentucky product was determined to transform his body with the help of trainer Amolia Cesar and improve his all-around game.
Randle has already made his drastic body transformation and has apparently impressed Magic Johnson with the product he’s shown on the basketball floor. Johnson, who spoke with Spectrum SportsNet after introducing three of the team’s rookies picked in the NBA Draft, thinks the 22-year-old forward is primed for a breakout year:
“I think Julius Randle is going to have a breakout season,” Magic said on Spectrum SportsNet. “The league better watch out. This guy has all the athletic ability. Now he’s working on his shot. He’s working on his right hand, and he’s already worked on his body.
“With Lonzo Ball running that point, I think he’s really going to have a breakout season and excite our fanbase on the end of that pass from a Lonzo Ball like big James [Worthy] used to do with that one hand.”
Last season, Randle had his moments this season, recording three triple-doubles and showing progress in a few different areas of his game. Although Randle was improved, he didn’t make a massive jump to convince anyone of his star potential in Los Angeles.
If Johnson is right, Randle may aim to prove his worth during the 2017-18 NBA season. The question is if he’ll have a chance to do that with the Lakers as his name has been mentioned frequently in a potential blockbuster trade for superstar Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.
In the event Randle is wearing a purple and gold jersey come October, it’ll be interesting to see his progress on the floor and whether he can take his game to the next level.