Julius Randle seems to have shown some maturity despite anxious moments earlier on in the season. After struggling with the changes in coach Byron Scott's system, the former Kentucky Wildcat has made good in his new role as a starter.
Right now, Randle is doing something that the Lakers sorely need — rebounding. Aside from scoring his usual numbers, Randle has been scrappier and the effort has returned eye-catching double-doubles, now totaling 21.
That number of double-doubles is the most for any sophomore and indicates that Randle may have finally done away with his impatience which should be a good sign for the Lakers.
Randle got his old starting job back when rookie Larry Nance Jr. went down to an injury. Scott believes that Randle has finally gotten on the same page which can hopefully last.
From the looks of it, that heart-to-heart talk did bear fruit. Some months back, Randle was showing a lot of frustration when he was relegated to a bench-role. Such led to trade speculations until Scott stepped in and talked with the troubled sophomore.
But one has to wonder if Scott should be given credit to Randle's rise.
For his part, Randle is simply doing something he promised to do with the right playing time — deliver. Even though it was all part of an experiment on Scott's end, not too many are convinced that the former Lakers guard is a fit for a rebuilding team.
Rather than gain the respect of some of the younger stalwarts, Scott has been criticized for holding them back. Scott is so confident of what he is doing that he stands by what he is implementing, even though the win–loss record of the Lakers leaves a lot to be desired.
While Randle is blossoming, rookie D'Angelo Russell is not. The number two overall pick has been struggling to appease Scott and his system.
Moving forward, there is no telling if Scott will continue to have management's vote of confidence. He got off from last season and likely this season too. But things could be different if the Lakers continue to struggle next season, unless Mitch Kupchak makes an unforeseen announcement in the offseason.
