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Los Angeles Lakers: Why signing and trading Julius Randle is smart

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest priorities this offseason is restricted free agent Julius Randle. Instead of signing Randle, trading Randle could be a smarter move.

I already know that I am going to get a ton of backlash for this one as Los Angeles Lakers fans absolutely love Julius Randle — and understandably so. Fans have watched Randle grow since the team selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Now, Randle is one of the best young forwards in the game and has showcased his ability to score 20 points and grab 10 rebounds on a nightly basis.

Rewind way back to October 2017 and it did not seem like Randle was set to be a Laker past this season. Contract disputes and getting sat behind Larry Nance Jr seemingly signaled the end of the Randle era in Los Angeles. With superstars on the horizon, Randle seemingly was not worth matching this offseason.

However, Randle played his tail off and averaged just under 20 points and 10 rebounds per game after the All-Star Break. Now, the Lakers are in a corner where Randle has become a hot commodity that could be a key piece to a contender.

As great as Randle is, though, there may be more benefit by signing and trading him. While the Lakers cannot use the Bird Rights on Randle to conduct a sign and trade, the deal can still get done with the right suitor.

Randle would likely have to agree to this, which definitely is a wild card in this situation. Regardless, here are three reasons why it is smart for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign and trade Julius Randle.

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