Your new LA Laker: Julius Randle

[wlk3]

It's been awhile and this kid isn't him, but Magic Johnson says Hi!!

That's whom I was referring to... Magic "Rookie Finals MVP" Johnson... He's my first, my last, my everything... Well basketballingly speaking...

 

[wlk3]

This is an interesting read too:

2014 NBA Draft 1st Round Rookie Salary Projections - Forbes

If they Lakers sign Randle on a 4 year contract (which is the logical thing to do), he would cost the Lakers approx $13,545,962 for that period, or about $3.4m a year - $16m a year less than Pau Gasol.

And he's worth about 16mil less than Pau too...

 

[Retroram52]

Bill Simmons is an annoying idiot who should stick to the printed word. His voice and delivery style are not conducive to a productive and unbiased sports show. I suppose he thinks his biased opinions are accepted or if he gets it he is perceived as annoying, he finds solace in that as some sort of calling card. I mute the sound when he is on. He isn't worth for me getting irritated to the point of throwing things at the T.V.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

And he's worth about 16mil less than Pau too...

How do you know?

 

[OutlawImmortal]

It's not like Pau's a defensive guru, if Randle performs on the offensive end then he'll be a much better and cheaper option to Pau.

 

[HammerDown]

Coming from Kentucky, he's already had a season in the NBA.

 

[HizzleRocker]

I'm being negative right now, and I hope I'm wrong. I think part of it is the build up to this point. Basically spent most of the season actually rooting for my team to lose. Coming down the stretch thinking we would likely get a top 4 pick. For a while there it looked like we would be getting Exum and Love. Was thinking the roster would be:

Exum
Kobe
Love
Pau

instead we have:

Kobe
Randle

And still no coach.

 

[HammerDown]

Call me Debbie downer - but I have a hard time feeling excited about this. We basically tanked the entire season so that we could draft a PF who is undersized and shoots 17% from field on jump shots.

That's right - 17%. The worst I have ever heard of.

Kupchak needs to have him in El Segundo shooting 2,000 15' jumpers before the sun sets today.

 

[lakersrule]

Kupchak needs to have him in El Segundo shooting 2,000 15' jumpers before the sun sets today.

I have no doubt he will be doing just that. This guy is a hard worker. His jumper has apparently already improved since the tourney. I wasn't thrilled initially with the pick. I thought Vonleh had more potential and a much better NBA body. I'm warming up to him though. Kobe will like him given that he plays and works hard. He'll be able to produce right away too. Just wish we could stretch his arms out a little!

 

[HammerDown]

Kobe is going to be on this guy like Jordan was on Kwame.

 

[lakersrule]

Kwame > Russell

 

[OutlawImmortal]

I'm being negative right now, and I hope I'm wrong. I think part of it is the build up to this point. Basically spent most of the season actually rooting for my team to lose. Coming down the stretch thinking we would likely get a top 4 pick. For a while there it looked like we would be getting Exum and Love. Was thinking the roster would be:

Exum
Kobe
Love
Pau

instead we have:

Kobe
Randle

And still no coach.

Should have tempered your expectations. Opposing teams would live in the paint with Pau and Love anyway. Teams like Memphis would pound it inside.

 

[Louie26]

I'm very excited to see Randle play, the guy I wanted (maybe a tie with Exum), but the way he speaks of being a Laker and playing with Kobe, tells me we got the right guy!!

Lakers Draftee Julius Randle: Possible Foot Surgery, Kobe Texting Him | Lakers Nation

Here's to the very first step to getting back what belongs in LA!

 

[Kold]

The best thing I can tell you guys about Randle(outside of his skills), is that he plays ferociously. Like, he's the exact opposite of Dwight Howard, in the fact that he won't be smiling and looking to have a good time, which is why I think he will fit WELL with Kobe

 

[Silas]

Expecting big things from this young man.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

The best thing I can tell you guys about Randle(outside of his skills), is that he plays ferociously. Like, he's the exact opposite of Dwight Howard, in the fact that he won't be smiling and looking to have a good time, which is why I think he will fit WELL with Kobe

Overall, the Lakers took advantage of their cap space to buy a draft pick and add a solid young guard (Jordan Clarkson) who will be cheap. Coupled with the pick of a power player in Julius Randle, the Lakers have definitely made a splash in this draft IMO.

 

[lakersrule]

Overall, the Lakers took advantage of their cap space to buy a draft pick and add a solid young guard (Jordan Clarkson) who will be cheap. Coupled with the pick of a power player in Julius Randle, the Lakers have definitely made a splash in this draft IMO.

Now let's hope for big splash in free agency!!

 

[Black Adam]

The best thing I can tell you guys about Randle(outside of his skills), is that he plays ferociously. Like, he's the exact opposite of Dwight Howard, in the fact that he won't be smiling and looking to have a good time, which is why I think he will fit WELL with Kobe

work ethic and killer instinct. 2 things that can't be taught, but you'd LOVE to see out of your players...

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

The best thing I can tell you guys about Randle(outside of his skills), is that he plays ferociously. Like, he's the exact opposite of Dwight Howard, in the fact that he won't be smiling and looking to have a good time, which is why I think he will fit WELL with Kobe

And I think his ceiling is far higher than Dwights

 

[trojanfan12]

Watching Access Sportsnet and there was a pretty interesting interview with Mitch. Looks like Kobe is already talking to 'Melo about being a Laker and apparently will be talking to Lebron as well.


Mitch says that the Lakers are prepared for either or both (or any other FA's) if they want to be Lakers. He also said that if they can't get what they want, they'll save the cap space for the '15 and/or '16 FA classes.


The Lakers have 3 players with guaranteed contracts (Kobe, Nash and Sacre), 1 non-guaranteed contract (Marshall) and they have until June 30th to decide if they want to make a qualifying offer to Kelly.


They're still in no hurry re: a coach and will likely make a decision once they have a better idea of what the roster will look like. Mitch did say that both interviews with B. Scott went well.