Five things we have learned about the Lakers after one month
By Jason Reed
1. Trading Julius Randle is just a matter of time
The Los Angeles Lakers will trade Julius Randle at some point throughout this season. This move has been telegraphed as early as the previous offseason. Although Randle is one of the most talented players on the Los Angeles Lakers, it is only a matter of time before the LA faithful will have to wave Randle goodbye.
Speculation around trading Julius Randle started after the Lakers dealt D’Angelo Russell. Los Angeles packaged Russell alongside Timofey Mozgov in exchange for Brook Lopez. Russell was the pawn in the deal, as the Lakers were effectively dumping Mozgov and his contract to Brooklyn. Thus, many thought the Lakers would do the same with Randle and Luol Deng.
These trade talks seemed even more legit after the Lakers selected Kyle Kuzma out of the first round. Although he was only expected to be a depth addition, this seemed to be to soften the blow of losing Randle. Then, head coach Luke Walton opted to go with Larry Nance Jr in the starting five, a role that was then given to Kuzma following Nance’s injury.
With the two sides failing to reach an agreement on an extension it is only a matter of time before the Lakers part ways with Randle. Randle is key in freeing up some salary space, even if it is a smaller contract. Regardless, the Lakers will want to get something out of Randle and the only way to do that now is to trade him.