The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the season and are coming off their second preseason win.
Check out the latest news and rumors below.
Randle Impresses Scott
Julius Randle’s performance has been criticized by coach Byron Scott over the preseason, but Scott praised the rookie forward after Sunday’s win.
“His effort was great [and] his communication on the defensive end was much, much better,” Scott told Lakers Nation.
“Offensively he was really good. He made some mistakes, but it wasn’t because of lack of effort.”
Randle scored eight points, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked two shots in 20 minutes of action.
Scott recently admitted that he may be too tough on Randle.
“I think we all tend to forget too -- because we are in the National Basketball Association -- that he is 19 years old,” Scott said last week after a practice, reported ESPN. “He’s still a baby. I’ve been a little hard on him at times.”
However, Scott emphasized that Randle has to improve.
“He has a lot to learn,” Scott added. “It’s not that he’s not willing to learn; it’s that he’s got to be willing to put forth the effort. It’s a lot harder here than it was at Kentucky. This is big boy’s league. That’s the bottom line.”
Randle says he understands Scott being hard on him.
“I mean, he should (be),” Randle said. “Those guys are proven. I shouldn’t be treated the same as those (veterans). I haven’t done anything. I have got to hold myself responsible. I can’t worry about what other guys do. The only thing I can do is hold myself accountable and improve every day.”
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