The news that Los Angeles Lakers rookie Julius Randle has been cleared for non-contact basketball activities was a bright spot of today’s Lakers practice.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott also said he expects Randle to start traveling with the team and getting workouts in even while the team is on the road. Scott said the main focus right now with Randle is preparing him for NBA Summer League. Scott expects to ramp up Randle’s workload a little each week, mostly focusing on shooting drills.
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Randle even said he’s already looking forward to making the drive down to Orange County in the summertime to workout with Kobe Bryant.
Carlos Boozer did not practice on Monday due to a mild ankle sprain. The Lakers are currently listing him as probable, although Scott anticipates that Boozer will be available for Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers inability to close games was a big topic of conversation at practice. Scott said he hopes that the experience some of his players are getting at the end of games could benefit the Lakers in the season to come.
A lot of the guys that we have out there, probably wouldn’t be out there at that particular time in the game, so this is unusual for them,” Scott said in reference to the Lakers struggling to close games. “It’s a great learning experience for them and hopefully it will help us in the upcoming season, next year.”
Lakers rookie Jordan Clarkson has continued to impress since he was inserted into the starting lineup. Scott said Clarkson is a “typical rookie,” who gets to practice early to get extra work in, but Scott said Clarkson is also the type of player to come back to the gym at night and get even more work in — something that many players are not willing to do.
The Lakers take on the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night at Staples Center.
[divide]VIDEO: Julius Randle Cleared For Non-Contact Basketball Activities