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Originally posted on: August 11, 2016
Julius Randle played fourteen minutes in the 2014-2015 season. An injury to the leg forced him to sit out the rest of the season. He broke his tibia, and a surgery was needed right away, followed by a long road of rehab and recovery. Mark Medina interviewed Gary Vitti, the former athletic trainer for the Lakers, for insight on Julius Randle’s mental state during the time he was rehabbing.
He was great. He went through all the stages. There’s depression and anger. ‘Why me, why this?’ I think he got through that very quickly, especially for a young man. I really admire how he handled the whole thing like a real pro, and he was only 19. Once he realized it was what it was and there was nothing he could do about it, he adopted the philosophy that I’m going to do everything right. He changed his diet. He did the things he could do. He concentrated a lot on that, not on what he couldn't do because of his leg. But what can he do to control his life.
Despite being forced to miss his entire rookie season, Julius, became a man on a mission to prove doubters wrong and come back stronger. Randle was not the only Laker to have a season ending injury. Players including Jeremy Lin, Xavier Henry, Kobe Bryant, and a few others could not finish out the season due to injuries.
With his rookie season in the rear-view mirror, Julius was ready to move forward. Randle looked solid in four games of Summer League action. Just to air on the side of caution, the staff limited his minutes to only 20 per game. In that allotted time, he averaged, 11.5 points and 4 rebounds. His struggles were highlighted by his 39.5% shooting. His rust and anxiousness to play was visibly clear. Most times, he rushed his shot and lost control of the ball or his body which resulted in turnovers and wild shots. Aside from his shooting he looked explosive, lean, and a high energy player.
Between Summer League and pre-season the aura from hopeful Lakers fans was one of excitement in part due to Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell and the other young Lakers (the youth movement). The unfortunate truth is young NBA teams don’t do well by the time playoffs arrive let alone contend for a championship.
Not only did the team struggle as most predicted, but they went for a franchise-worst 17-65 record! Yes, that was the Lakers record for the 2015-2016 season. Randle like most young up shots and get rebounds. Coach Luke Walton’s receptive disposition towards the Lakers' youth movement, along with coaching style and personality, should bring a sense of fresh air and further the development of all Lakers’ players, especially Randle.
This off-season Randle, along with teammates D'Angelo and Ingram, were invited to play on the US select team to prepare for FIBA in the 2016 summer Olympics. Lakers Nations'Serena Winters interviewed Julius post-practice asking what he was up to in the offseason:
Q: You gained muscle and look a lot leaner, tell me a little about what you’ve been up to this summer and where your body is at right now?
Randle: My body feels great. This summer I’ve just been [doing the] same things. Working out hard every day, two or three times a day and just trying to get better, trying to learn about my game, get better, and obviously with the on-the-court stuff, just watching film of how I can get better as well. So we’ll see.
Randle also expressed excitement to play for coach Walton
Q: We talked to D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson about the excitement for this next season, and they seem very excited especially to have Luke Walton. What are your thoughts on having Luke Walton here?
Randle: We’re excited to have Luke here. Obviously, its kind of like a breath of fresh air. Everybody is learning, having fun and learning the game and we’re getting better together, and that’s what it’s all about. Everybody is really excited heading into the season. Talked to the guys who played on the summer league team who will be here with us and they all just raved about how much fun it was, so I’m excited for it.
Julius looked much improved on his jumper at team USA practice:
While Randle's potential remains in question. One cannot deny the dedication and heart it took to rehabilitate from his injury and play on the court again with the Lakers across his chest. The physical and mental fortitude he poses are traits that are not learned but dwell within an individual. The hope for Laker fans should be that he uses that same mindset to work on his much-needed improvement. Because if he does, undoubtedly he will become a special player and a staple as a Laker for years to come.
