Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle’s Growing Confidence

Whether he realizes it or not, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Julius Randle will be looked upon to carry the torch once in the hands of Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and current teammate Kobe Bryant. The talent he possesses is one of the reasons that John Calipari recruited him to the University of Kentucky, further solidifying the school’s reputation of rounding out top-notch professional prospects. At the tender age of 19, Randle is experiencing the pains of NBA growth, but dishing his own blows of infliction in the process.

After a week of Byron Scott and Kobe Bryant offering encouraging words on Randle’s future, he showed his full repertoire, and gave Laker fans quite the treat. On Wednesday night, Randle went on a tear, posting 17 points and eight rebounds on 70 percent shooting. The game featured several plays of Randle leading the break at 6’9″, and finding open teammates. The way he handled the ball in open court was reminiscent of a former Laker favorite, Lamar Odom. He also displayed his outstanding strength, muscling opposing players to get into the interior.

The Lakers begin the season in less than a week, and Randle is settling into a nice role. Their bench needs the youth and versatility that he has displayed since joining the team. Scott was concerned with Randle being affected by the speed of the game, but it seems that he’s been given reassurance. The biggest thing that the Lakers are going to need is a confident Julius Randle who understands how he contributes on a nightly basis.

One of the biggest focuses of an NBA rookie is the need to keep them believe in themselves. Many prospects stop trusting their abilities and lose focus. The results of these circumstances generate busts and non-contributors. It appears that Randle has found a bit of swagger, and will let that motivate him all year.

Not only was the game great for Randle’s confidence, but it provided fans with the anticipation of watching their cornerstone become a great amongst the NBA’s superstars. With each game that passes, he will get the chance to prove that he should have been picked before the seventh selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. The best thing about him is the chip that he is carrying on his shoulder from the events of the draft, down to the doubt that many have about the Lakers. If he can continue to translate those things into production, the rebuild that Los Angeles is experiencing will be fast-tracked.

Despite playing behind Carlos Boozer, Randle’s impact can be felt immediately upon getting his hands on the basketball. Given the fact that Boozer is heading towards the end of his career, the situation is perfect for Randle. The pressure of contributing right away is relieved by Byron Scott allowing Randle to anchor his bench. The role that Randle plays is surely paying off. Things got off to a slow start, but each game has proven to be full of those “WOW!” moments expected from a player of his caliber.

If Randle keeps it up, fans will continue to be engaged, and his name will stay in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.