Lakers’ forward Julius Randle shows a lot of potential — how many forward his size create the majority of their own shots? He has great size and ball handling, and uses his quickness to create all those looks, although he’s got to develop more of a right hand and more of a variety of shots to truly take advantage of all those gifts. Still, the potential is there on both ends of the court.
Draymond Green has seen it.
The Warriors’ cornerstone forward whose versatility is the key to much of what Golden State does said he thinks Randle has the potential to be better than him someday. Via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News/Orange County Register:“I think he can. I also think he has the potential to be better,” Green said. “With the God-given gifts he has, he has the potential to be better. I’ll continue to grow. I’ll never stop working and I’ll continue to get better. But what is he, 21? That’s a lot of time to continue to grow.”
(Lakers’ coach Luke) Walton said he “absolutely” saw Randle and Green as a “good comparison” before praising their athleticism and playmaking. He then pointed out Green’s superior jump shooting before complimenting Randle for his offseason efforts to improve in that area. Walton then added, “that could be someone you compare to down the road.”
Randle is not Green yet. Not even close. The jumper is part of it, although the bigger issue is the defensive end — where Green is elite, and Randle is good on the boards but a work in progress everywhere else.
Still, everyone sees the potential. Green included.
Randle speaks to why Luke Walton was brought into the Lakers. Randle has great potential. So does D’Angelo Russell. And Brandon Ingram. And Jordan Clarkson. And Larry Nance. You get the idea. The Lakers have an impressive young core, but one they need to develop and add to. Walton is on board to help that group grow into the cornerstones of the next great Lakers team. It’s a process and a slow one. Patience is required.