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NBA: Top 10 Players 21 And Under

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 9, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) goes up for a layup past Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second half at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 123-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) goes up for a layup past Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second half at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 123-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Julius Randle (21 years, two months), Los Angeles Lakers

2015-16 statistics: 10.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 13.14 PER

Coming out of the NBA player factory that is the University of Kentucky, Julius Randle was one of the prized prospects of the 2014 draft. Randle’s worst nightmare took place in his NBA debut when he broke his right leg that brought his rookie campaign to a swift halt.

Randle was able to rehab and prepare for the 2015-16 season and impose his will on opposing big men. His athleticism and power make Randle must-see TV when considering the energy he plays with whenever he is on the court.

Like it was stated earlier, Byron Scott was reluctant in giving Randle as much time as Laker fans wanted, but now he is averaging 26.6 minutes per game and nearly posting a double-double each game.

Randle’s 9.6 rebound per game average ranks third among NBA power forwards and his 10.5 point per game average ranks 17th. With his ability shown thus far in his young NBA career, it’s safe to say that Randle will be a key factor in making the Lakers championship contenders once again.

Next: No. 6