Julius Randle: What If He Stayed With The Lakers?

Let's dive into a fun hypothetical, guys! What if Julius Randle had never left the Los Angeles Lakers? It's a question that Lakers fans have probably pondered over countless times, especially seeing how Randle has blossomed into an All-Star caliber player. Imagine Randle donning the purple and gold right now. How different would things be for the Lakers?

Randle's Early Lakers Days

To understand the potential impact of Randle staying, we need to rewind to his initial stint with the Lakers. Drafted in 2014, Randle's rookie season was tragically cut short due to a broken leg in his very first game. Talk about bad luck! However, he bounced back with a vengeance, showcasing glimpses of his potential in the following seasons. During those early years, Randle displayed a unique blend of power, agility, and a knack for rebounding. He was raw, yes, but the flashes of brilliance were undeniable. He possessed a soft touch around the rim and an improving handle, hinting at the versatile player he would eventually become. The Lakers, during that period, were in rebuilding mode, searching for their next franchise cornerstone. Randle, along with other young prospects like D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, represented a beacon of hope for the future. The Lakers' coaching staff at the time recognized Randle's potential and invested time in developing his skills. They worked on his post moves, his jump shot, and his defensive awareness. While the Lakers struggled to win games, Randle's individual progress was evident. He steadily increased his scoring and rebounding numbers, demonstrating his commitment to improvement. Moreover, Randle's passion and energy were contagious, making him a popular figure among Lakers fans. He embraced the Lakers' culture and expressed a strong desire to be part of the team's resurgence. However, as the Lakers' front office underwent changes, Randle's future with the team became uncertain. The arrival of new management and coaching staff brought different visions and priorities, ultimately leading to Randle's departure. Despite the relatively short time he spent in Los Angeles during his first stint, Julius Randle left a lasting impression on the Lakers faithful, with many fans remembering him fondly and wondering "what if" he had stayed.

The Decision to Let Him Go

Now, here's where it gets interesting. After showing steady improvement, the Lakers decided not to re-sign Randle in the summer of 2018. Why? Well, a couple of factors were at play. First, the Lakers had their sights set on bigger fish in free agency – namely, LeBron James. To create cap space for LeBron and potentially another max-level player, they had to make some tough decisions. Randle, while promising, was deemed expendable. Second, the Lakers' front office, led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka at the time, had a specific vision for the team's future. They prioritized players who could immediately contribute to winning and complement LeBron's skillset. Randle, still developing his game, didn't quite fit that mold. It was a calculated risk, one that many fans questioned at the time. Letting go of a young, ascending talent like Randle is never easy, especially when he had shown loyalty and dedication to the organization. The decision was further complicated by the fact that Randle was a fan favorite, known for his hustle and passion on the court. However, the Lakers' front office believed that they needed to take bold steps to accelerate the team's rebuilding process and return to championship contention. They were convinced that LeBron James could transform the Lakers into a legitimate contender overnight, and they were willing to sacrifice some long-term assets to make that happen. While the Lakers' pursuit of LeBron James ultimately proved successful, the decision to let Julius Randle walk away remained a point of contention among fans. Some argued that the Lakers could have found a way to retain Randle while still creating enough cap space for James. Others believed that Randle's skillset and playing style were not a good fit alongside James. Regardless of the reasoning, the Lakers' decision to let Julius Randle go had a significant impact on the team's future and Randle's career.

Randle's Rise After Leaving

Leaving the Lakers turned out to be a pivotal moment for Randle. He signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and then later with the New York Knicks, where he truly blossomed into the player we see today. In New Orleans, he showcased an improved offensive game, demonstrating his ability to score from various spots on the floor. He became a more confident ball-handler and playmaker, expanding his offensive repertoire beyond just scoring in the paint. However, it was in New York where Randle experienced his true breakout season. Under the guidance of coach Tom Thibodeau, Randle transformed into an All-Star and a Most Improved Player candidate. He embraced a leadership role and led the Knicks to their first playoff appearance in years. Randle's game reached new heights as he displayed an exceptional blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He became a triple-double threat every night, showcasing his versatility and all-around skillset. His improved jump shot made him a more dangerous offensive weapon, and his defensive intensity increased significantly. Randle's success in New York not only validated his talent but also proved that he could thrive in a different environment. He demonstrated his ability to adapt and improve, silencing the doubters who questioned his potential. His All-Star selection was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it solidified his status as one of the league's premier power forwards. Seeing Randle's transformation after leaving the Lakers, fans couldn't help but wonder what could have been if he had stayed in Los Angeles. Would he have reached the same level of success playing alongside LeBron James? Or did he need a change of scenery to unlock his full potential?

What If? Lakers with Randle Today

Okay, back to our initial question: What if Randle was still a Laker today? Think about it. A lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Julius Randle would be a nightmare matchup for any team in the league. Randle's ability to score, rebound, and create plays would perfectly complement James' and Davis' skillsets. The Lakers would have a formidable frontcourt with three players capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. Randle's presence would also alleviate some of the pressure on James and Davis, giving them more opportunities to rest and conserve energy during the regular season. His versatility would allow the Lakers to experiment with different lineups and strategies, making them even more unpredictable and difficult to defend. Furthermore, Randle's leadership and passion would bring a different dynamic to the Lakers' locker room. He is a proven winner and a respected teammate, and his presence would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team's chemistry and morale. Of course, this is all hypothetical. There's no guarantee that Randle would have developed into the same player he is today if he had stayed with the Lakers. Perhaps he wouldn't have gotten the same opportunities to showcase his talent, or maybe he wouldn't have thrived in a supporting role alongside James and Davis. However, it's hard to deny that Randle's skillset and potential would have been a valuable asset for the Lakers. His ability to score, rebound, and create plays would have addressed some of the team's weaknesses and made them an even more formidable contender.

Alternative Scenarios

Let's consider some alternative scenarios. Maybe with Randle, the Lakers don't trade for Anthony Davis. Perhaps they build around a core of LeBron, Randle, and other young players. Or maybe, Randle's presence helps convince another star to join the Lakers, creating an even more dominant team. It's all speculation, of course, but it's fun to imagine the possibilities. Maybe the Lakers' timeline would have looked completely different. Perhaps they would have won even more championships, or maybe they would have faced different challenges and setbacks. The point is, Randle's presence would have undoubtedly altered the course of Lakers history. His skillset and potential would have opened up new possibilities and created different avenues for success. Whether those possibilities would have ultimately led to more championships or not is impossible to say for sure, but it's certainly an intriguing thought to consider. This brings us to wonder about the butterfly effect of this single decision. How many other trades, signings, and draft picks would have been different if Randle stayed? It's a rabbit hole of possibilities!

The Reality

Ultimately, the Lakers moved on, won a championship in 2020, and Randle found success elsewhere. Both parties have achieved their goals, albeit separately. It's a reminder that in the NBA, things don't always go as planned, and sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don't make. The Lakers' decision to let Randle go was a gamble that ultimately paid off, as they were able to acquire Anthony Davis and win a championship. Randle, on the other hand, found the opportunity to showcase his talent and develop into an All-Star player. While it's fun to speculate about what could have been, it's important to acknowledge that both the Lakers and Randle have achieved success in their own ways. The NBA is a dynamic league where fortunes can change quickly, and the decisions teams make often have far-reaching consequences. In the case of Julius Randle and the Lakers, both parties made choices that ultimately led them to different paths, but both paths have been paved with success.

So, while we can only dream about a Randle-LeBron-AD trio, it's safe to say that both Randle and the Lakers are doing just fine. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!