After a highly productive 2017 offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for training camp with a sense of optimism around the franchise. The front office insisted that the young core continue to get in peak conditioning, with Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. preparing to play with No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball.
When taking a look at the roster, it appears Randle has been the one to truly take a step in the right direction, dropping considerable weight and body fat. Recent reports state that he is down to about seven percent body fat, while working on his conditioning to cater to today’s up-tempo NBA. Randle has worked consistently alongside new strength and endurance training coach, Gunnar Peterson, to not only lose the body weight, but also gain muscle to pair with it.
Although they have been steadily training at the practice facility, Randle was spotted playing in the Drew League this weekend. On the same team as former teammate Nick Young, Randle suited up and put on a show. His signature play came on a move down the court, dribbling into the paint and using his strength to send his defender flying.
While somewhat of a flop from the defender, Randle stepped into an open two-handed slam, to the delight of the fans in attendance. Randle elected to play this weekend to support the Drew League Foundation, as an opportunity to participate alongside NBA competition.
President Magic Johnson stated that he expects a breakout season from Randle, after an impressive offseason thus far. Now entering the final season of his rookie deal, Randle has an opportunity to blossom into the elite talent the Lakers envisioned when they drafted him seventh overall.
The 22-year-old averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 28.8 minutes last season, while shooting 48.8 percent from the field.
