Preseason results don't matter, but the performances and lessons learned within each exhibition sure do. In other words, the Lakers continue to send off encouraging signs as the balancing act of veteran-young players continues to mesh on the hardwood.
As the Lakers iron out the kinks to dive into a Western Conference littered with sharks, there's news about how coach Byron Scott wants his team to play, positive signs about young players and good news about the latest Kobe Bryant injury.
Let's take a look.
Julius Randle's Progression and Role
Anyone familiar with the Lakers knows the plight of former Kentucky standout Julius Randle, who appeared in one game as a rookie before a season-ending injury.
Randle's back this year, though, and in a word, he looks, well, incredible. In a recent win against Maccabi Haifa, he went off for 14 points, nine boards and two assists in just over 20 minutes of action.
As a whole, his first three preseason games looked great, as the organization captured on Twitter:
Perhaps even more encouraging? Randle sounds hungry and isn't shy about pointing out where he can and wants to improve.
“I’ll keep making the simple plays and easier plays, and keep rebounding better,” Randle said, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. “I’ll take the open shot when it’s there just to keep it going. Once the season goes along, you’ll see more stuff you can work on.”
It might sound like an exaggeration now, but Randle might be the team's best all-around player by the halfway point of the season. What he's shown so far hints at taking pressure off Bryant while helping to raise the play of those around him. He's been the team's main force underneath the basket so far.
