Lakers Rumors: Possible Trade Packages for Julius Randle
By Jason Reed
![Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts during overtime of a NBA game at the Staples Center. LA Lakers won 130-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reacts during overtime of a NBA game at the Staples Center. LA Lakers won 130-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
This deal would be a major risk for the Lakers, as they would be giving up both of their power forwards in return for a true star in the making Rudy Gobert. Gobert would instantly become the Lakers best player on the court and would be extremely beneficial to the team with his presence alone. Add in his scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots and Gobert would give the Lakers the dominant big man they so desire.
Jeff Withey is not a big contributor for the Jazz, and in a big lineup, the Lakers could run him at power forward alongside Gobert. Regardless, Gobert is a stud that has put up great numbers for the Utah Jazz this season.
Gobert has averaged 14.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game all while shooting 66% from the field. If Gobert keeps up this shooting, it would put him in the top ten for all-time field goal percentages in a single season. Gobert is something special and would help the Lakers immensely.
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To counteract their loss, the Lakers would need to draft a power forward in this year’s draft. TJ Leaf would be a great guy to add to the team, however, may be taken by the Rockets pick. Another guy the Lakers should look at is Oregon’s Jordan Bell – Bell is an immensely talented shot blocker and would give the Lakers one of the best blocking front courts in the league.
Heck, if the Lakers get this deal it may even influence star Gordon Hayward to come to Los Angeles. With a player option and a familiar friend already in LA, if Hayward came to the Lakers after this deal it would instantly make them playoff contenders.
They run him or Ingram at power forward as well, although they would be small, with the dynamic of the NBA it would not hurt them. I mean heck, Ingram is the same height as Julius Randle, although less physical. But imagine if the team drafted Lonzo Ball, their starting five would be deadly.
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If the team was willing to listen to these lakers rumors they would turn themselves around from a lottery team to a playoff team. A starting five of Lonzo Ball, D’Angelo Russell, Gordon Hayward, Brandon Ingram, and Rudy Gobert would not only dominate now but continue dominating for years to come.