In spite earlier reports that hinted that the Lakers are going to be trading off two its assets Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell in exchange for a veteran, it seems that the team will abandon this rumored plan and invest in grooming the two young players to be future leaders.
It was earlier reported that Russell was being traded off to the Sacramento Kings while Randle was being considered by the Denver Nuggets.
According to a report by Lakers Nation, the team has had a hard time finding its momentum since the retirement of its long time superstar Kobe Bryant and is looking for solid leadership that would propel the team to its former glory.
"In summer league I spent the majority of my time with the young guys here, and D'Angelo has been phenomenal as far as being vocal in practice, and doing what we ask him as a coaching staff, and coming in early and after practice and getting work in. So right now he's shown that he's capable of being a leader and that he's working on becoming a leader," coach Luke Walton said.
He added that there is also some potential in Randall that he is hoping to develop as the team brings in experienced vets that could help the younger players bring their A-game forward.
Meanwhile, NBA.com has reported that the Lakers has re-signed Tarik Black.
"Tarik is a player whose strengths are well-suited for the style of play we envision for our team going forward. He plays the game with a mix of athleticism, energy, and physicality that make him a valuable frontcourt contributor in today's NBA," General Manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed.
Throughout his career with the Lakers, Black has performed well by posting an average 5.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 16.9 per game and shooting 57.5% from the field over 77 games.
