But what about the present? To what extent will the 19-year-old's impact be felt initially?
"Julius will get plenty of chances to play a lot of minutes," new head coach Byron Scott told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell. "We know he’s a rookie and needs to develop, and a lot of that will come in training camp and in practice. I think he’ll do just that."
That sounds like an optimistic assessment.
Randle will compete with 12-year veteran Carlos Boozer and Ed Davis for minutes at the power forward position, likely operating as next in line behind the former. Unless Boozer succumbs to injury at some point, Randle probably won't get a crack at the starting lineup.
All the same, Scott's prediction bodes well for Randle. With the Lakers looking for some fresh young blood to reinvigorate the rotation, the Kentucky product may come in handy.
His already well-developed skills certainly won't hurt. Nor will his 6'9," 250-pound frame.
As a guest on the Dan Patrick Show (h/t Lakers Nation), Scott compared him to the similarly large Zach Randolph on account of his mid-range touch and ability in the low post. Others have noted even greater versatility.
After witnessing his work at Las Vegas Summer League, Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding observed that, "People who peg him as strictly a traditional, back-to-the-basket power forward are in for a surprise. More than Zach Randolph, the guys he resembled were Chris Bosh and Lamar Odom with an eagerness to face up and drive to his left."
Moreover, Randle can inject energy into Los Angeles' frontcourt.
"He's got a live motor with built-in navigation, given his energy and instincts toward loose balls," writes Bleacher Report's Jonath...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
