Julius Randle seems to have done enough to convince the Los Angeles Lakers that he is a good investment at least until 2016–17, with the Lakers reportedly picking up the team option of his contract.
This means that Randle will be guaranteed $3.3 million for the 2016–17, making it one less concern to think about as he enters his sophomore year.
Randle hasn't really shown his full potential, but much of that was because of the freak injury he suffered right in his very first National Basketball Association (NBA) game last year. Randle played only 14 minutes for the entire 2014–15 season, all of which happened in the Lakers' opening game against the Houston Rockets.
Randle spent most of last season on the sidelines but has showed a lot of promise in the Summer League and the preseason.
The 20-year-old forward has been getting praises all around, including from Kobe Bryant who believes that the former Kentucky Wildcat can do practically anything.
In the offseason, Randle has been putting in a lot of extra work, some of which include getting mentored by veteran enforcer Metta World Peace.
Randle is seen as one of the new cornerstones of the Lakers franchise, along with fellow sophomore Jordan Clarkson and rookie D'Angelo Russell.
Paired with Kobe Bryant, Randle has been patiently guided by the Black Mamba on his return. At his age, Randle is seen as someone who would need the proper guidance in order for him to prosper as a force in the NBA.
Right now, Randle is expected to do his share of helping the Lakers in the upcoming season. That includes doing work off the boards and muscling up against other veteran forwards.
The Lakers are not among the favorites this year but given the opportunity, Randle and the rest of the young turks could pull off some surprises for the 2015–16 season.
The Lakers will open their season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 28.
