Lakers Rumors: Four teams that could compete for Julius Randle

Julius Randle is set to be a restricted free agent this summer and the Lakers rumors around what teams will pursue him will only grow.

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2017-2018 did not end in a playoff berth but ended with some very promising takeaways. Los Angeles had an elite group of rookies out of the 2017 NBA Draft class and saw growth from the other young stars on the team. When healthy, Brandon Ingram was sensational and after the All-Star Break, Julius Randle was playing at All-Star levels.

However, this summer has become much more complicated because of Randle’s elite level of play. For a majority of the season, re-signing Randle, who is a restricted free agent, seemed unlikely. Bringing him back with Kyle Kuzma thriving and superstars to chase did not fit the narrative that has been in the Lakers rumors since last season.

However, Randle proved with an increased role in the second half of the season that he could be that second superstar that the Lakers are chasing. However, the two sides never agreed to a contract extension, leaving Randle free to agree to a deal with any team that offers him one.

The ball is still in the Lakers’ court, though. Los Angeles has the ability to match any offer sheet that Randle agrees to. The big question is whether or not the Lakers will do so if it means sacrificing two potential stars.

With Randle’s sensational second-half play there will undoubtedly be many suitors knocking on his door. Thus, we compiled four teams that will be the Lakers’ biggest competition in re-signing Julius Randle.