Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Randle WILL take the mantle.

Julius Randle, the Lakers coveted 7th pick of the 2014 draft, broke his tibia in his right leg during the first game of the 2014-15 season. A bad omen to start the season off, many Laker enthusiasts, including myself, cringed at the thought of losing Randle. Randle's explosive first step and NBA ready physique had me hopeful for this current season, and then it all crumbled within a few seconds. 

The lost of Randle meant that the already lack luster front court for the Lakers would have to pick up a lot of slack, and unfortunately, the last 5 games clearly showed that the Lakers big men are not good enough to stack up against the rest of the NBA's competitive front courts.

Now that the 2014-15 season seems to be lost, it's a matter of time for Randle to rehabilitate and make his triumphant comeback. And yes I said triumphant comeback, and here's why.

First and foremost, although Julius broke his primary leg (since he's left handed), he has shown that he is capable of lifting off both legs with equal explosiveness. Furthermore, Randle has never been a high flyer, his bread and butter is taking bigger defenders off the dribble and using his low post skills to his advantage. 

In college Randle showed some decent footwork, and luckily, since he's on the Lakers, he'll be able to learn from the greatest footwork artist in the NBA. Randle has also shown that he can stretch the floor, forcing his defender to come out toward the free throw line, then taking his defender off the dribble, and to the hole for a foul or an and-one. Randle's ball handling skills should not be ignored, and if you put that together with his explosive first step, then you'll realize just why he was such a highly praised pick. 

The most important thing to Randle's road to recovery will be his mental fortitude and his overall hunger to succeed. This will be the one thing that will dictate whether or not Randle will be able to become the great player that so many experts believe he'll be. But because no one is psychic it is impossible to guarantee that Randle will be able to have a huge comeback. However, I'm fully confident that he'll be back and better than ever mainly because of all the external forces that will help him during his recovery. 

Kobe has shown Randle his tough love approach, but judging off his response from Kobe's comments, it seems as if Randle respects and admires that, unlike another certain player...D12, cough cough. Randle also stated earlier in the season that he wanted to work his way to becoming a starter, and to have nothing handed to him.

These quotes shows just the type of person Randle is. He's a fighter, he's a warrior, he wants to become the best, and most importantly he wants to win championships; similar to someone else on the team. Many players say those exact same things, but very few actually keep their words. In the case of Randle, he's already shown that he can excel, which he proved during March Madness when he helped his Kentucky Wildcats advance through the NCAA tournament and reach the championship game. 

With all these factors it's hard to imagine Randle not coming back and making a huge impact. Unlike his other rookie peers Randle has learned first hand just how quickly one's career can take a turn, which will force him to mature much more quickly. Luckily for Randle, he has the full support of Kobe Bryant, and he's embraced Kobe's method of leading. Secondly, he's playing for a world class organization that not only expects him to comeback with a vengeance but to help them win championships. And finally, Randle has the talent, youth, and the right mindset to guide him through his road to recovery 

We all wish the best for you Randle! But remember, we expect nothing less but greatness, because Laker fans believe in your talents, and you will succeed, guaranteed. 


No comments:

Post a Comment