News about Julius Randle this week was all about his unclear future with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his growth with the team, it looks like the Lakers are taking a different direction now. Randle, on the other hand, can still find options playing for either the Detroit Pistons or the Miami Heat.
The Lakers these past few seasons have been about building their team for their future. Especially considering their youthful team, Randle used to play a big role for them. It seems now that the Lakers are continuing their strategy of developing their young core just without Randle.
Adrian Wojnarowski, one of National Basketball Association's (NBA) respected columnist, mentioned that Randle might be starting to look for other teams that can take him in, according to Lakers Nation. The team will either have to trade him before the trade deadline on February or wait until his contract ends by next summer.
If they plan to trade him, the key would be to do so for a first-round pick to align it with the team's plans. According to LA Sports Hub, two teams that have those picks and can trade for Randle are the Pistons and the Heat.
Arguably, the Pistons are doing well by themselves already, beating most of the popular fan favorite teams. Tobias Harris, one the men responsible for their wins, has been stepping up as their forward. Naturally, however, he plays small forward and to relieve some load from him, they could get Randle. Pistons can add someone like Avery Bradley while, of course, throwing in that 2018 first round pick, while Lakers can add Jordan Clarkson whose contract is about to end anyway.
On the other hand, the Heat might be minor option. They do not exactly have the players Lakers need but they can definitely make use of their potential 2019 first round pick. Randle might only make a minimal difference, but the Heat could work something up. Nevertheless, the Lakers and Heat can always see something fit for both of them when needed.
As for now, these are just speculations. Neither Randle nor the Lakers management made a statement regarding the issue. All fans can do now is to wait and see what the Lakers decide to do.
