Lakers Rumors: Four teams that could compete for Julius Randle
By Jason Reed
Julius Randle potential landing spot: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz do not have the same emotional ties to Julius Randle as the Dallas Mavericks, however, they have the promise of not only winning as soon as Randle arrives in Utah but for many years to come. Like the Lakers, the Jazz are building something truly special and Randle could be the final piece of a scary big three.
When Julius Randle was a potential trade candidate to get rid of Luol Deng, Utah was often the team I would resort to predicting. The expiring contracts of Joe Johnson and Derrick Favors were just too perfect for the Lakers to pass on.
However, a deal was never made and now Favors is set to be a free agent and Johnson is on the Houston Rockets. Randle is certainly an upgrade from Favors, which would give the Jazz a great outlook for the 2018-2019 season.
A big three of Donovan Mitchell, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert would be terrifying. Gobert would clean up the glass and be the premier shot blocker while Randle would be the go-to option off of pick and rolls. The physicality of Randle mixed with the size of Gobert and the scoring ability of Mitchell would mesh together perfectly.
The Jazz would not be able to offer as much as the Mavericks or Lakers, but can still offer Randle a pretty penny and the chance to contend in the tough Western Conference.