NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Julius Randle’s Latest Move a Great Decision For His Future With Los Angeles Lakers

Fresh Videos

By @IanClarkMcEwan

Julius Randle Layup

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Randle‘s rookie season in the NBA lasted all of about 14 minutes before a broken leg ended his inaugural campaign.

After undergoing surgery to repair the break in his leg, from which Randle is expected to make a full recovery, questions were left regarding a pre-existing injury to his foot Randle suffered in high school. By going under the knife to take the opportunity to allow the foot to heal while he is already off the court with another injury, Randle proved his dedication to the Los Angeles Lakers, and to his own success in the NBA.

Regarding the chance to become a centerpiece in the Laker organization, legend Kobe Bryant told Randle “You ‘F’ this up, you’re a really big idiot”. It’s clear Randle is taking this message to heart.

While Randle’s luck with regards to injury certainly isn’t what he or the Lakers had in mind when he was the No. 7 overall selection in the 2014 draft, he’s shown the toughness and character required to rehab from a traumatic injury without expecting pity for his misfortunes. By preemptively removing another variable determining his future success, Randle is taking every measure he can to ensure he does not, in fact, “F” this up.

The story of the highly touted prospect or rookie who makes it to the big stage and isn’t willing or able to provide the hard work necessary to achieve greatness is a cliche in sports. For every can’t-miss young athlete who fulfills their potential there are 10 who never had it, didn’t want it enough or simply didn’t have enough luck to stay healthy.

Randle appears determined to avoid this crowded collection of busts, and with forward thinking decisions like this, he’s doing all he can to ensure success. It will be some time before we know for sure, but it looks as though the Lakers didn’t draft a really big idiot.

Ian McEwan is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @IanClarkMcEwan,“Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. He is not the British author.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on