Los Angeles Lakers: Playing buy or sell with 2018 free agents

Julius Randle

The lone restricted free agent and best player on this list happens to be the most challenging to predict. Julius Randle is coming off a career year after appearing in all 82 games and averaging 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in his third full season (he missed 81 games his rookie season due to injury).

The Lakers extended him a qualifying offer, meaning they will have the ability to match any offer sheet Randle signs from another team. To maximize cap space for two superstars, they may have to forgo their rights to Randle and let him walk. I’ve been vocal against losing Randle and view him as a vital part to the Lakers’ core.

He is the longest-tenured Laker, has improved his body and game every year, and is a perfect 5 in this league with the ability to harass wings and guards on the perimeter when switched. I want to see the Lakers’ plan for the next 10 years, not 3-5, and Randle is as important to that future as any other player. He was the draft pick that spurned this positive rebuild; I’d like to see him stay on and be a cornerstone moving forward somehow.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Verdict: Re-sign