EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — In a business where you need steals in more ways than one to win big, the Lakers spent Tuesday morning deliberating plans for Julius Randle, once the nation's No. 2 high school recruit, according to Rivals, and now an option to be selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 7 pick in this year's NBA draft.
In front of L.A. decision-makers Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak and their staff, the Kentucky forward had unquestionably a strong workout, according to those who studied it in its entirety. Randle also offered this nugget amid growing health concerns he speculates were floated by NBA execs hoping he drops to them.
"I met with the best foot doctor in the country, and he said he wouldn't do anything with my foot," said Randle, who had a screw inserted in his right foot two years ago because of a fracture.
The foot issue has become another minor concern for a player already carrying a red flag because he doesn't have the unlimited athletic upside of some of the other prospects. Still, the Lakers gambled on rookie Ryan Kelly's foot last year and survived.
When asked if his foot was OK on Tuesday, Randle replied: "Does it look like it?" He was similarly confident when prompted to compare himself to other top big man prospects, including Indiana's Noah Vonleh and Arizona's Aaron Gordon, whom the Lakers have already worked out, and possible No. 1 overall center Joel Embiid.
"How do I rate myself against them? I feel like I'm the best one," Randle said.
Figuring out who the best one is at No. 7 is the Lakers' challenge. Much of it will hinge on what Orlando at No. 4, Utah at No. 5 and Boston at No. 6 want after Embiid, Andrew Wiggins (Rivals' No. 1 prep prospect last year) and Jabari Parker likely go in the top three.
But the Lakers are increasingly intrigued by point guard Marcus Smart, whose powerful style, being more like Russell...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
