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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 /

3. Julius Randle logistically does not make sense for the Lakers

This is probably the toughest pill to swallow for fans that love Julius Randle. As great and talented as Randle is, he simply does not provide what the Lakers need heading into next season, at least, if the plans of bringing in one or two superstars come to fruition.

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The Lakers need size in a true rebounder and a rim protector down low. One of the weakest areas for the Lakers last season was protecting the rim and only a true center can provide that. Right now, Thomas Bryant and Ivica Zubac are the only true centers on the roster.

And while Randle played great in the hybrid power forward/center role, he simply does not bring that size that the Los Angeles Lakers need. If the Lakers do bring in LeBron James they are likely going to already be running a smaller lineup with James at the four.

If Randle could at least stretch the floor than the Lakers could make it work like the Warriors with Kevin Durant or the Cavaliers with Kevin Love. However, Randle does not have a reliable enough three-point game to go that route.

With Kyle Kuzma serving as a great natural power forward, the Lakers should be turning the money and the emphasis over to their needs, not the talent. While the Lakers may not get a better overall player than Randle via the draft or free agency, they will get someone who helps the team more by catering to the needs.

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And while that may seem like backward logic to some, the fact of the matter is this starting lineup does not have room for Julius Randle. Paying someone over $15 million a year to come off the bench does not seem like the smartest move.

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