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NBA Rumors: Should Julius Randle be a Lakers’ offseason priority?

By Michael Saenz

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 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 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 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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NBA Rumors: Julius Randle isn’t sure he’s being prioritized by the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but should be be?

During the second half of the season, Julius Randle really began to come into his own for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the month of February, Randle averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per contest on nearly 60 percent shooting from the field. He followed that month up with a 22-point, 10-rebound per night output in March.

He needed the season with his best statistical output of his career thus far, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds per game. Question is, was this enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to be sold on the young forward?

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As far as Randle is concerned, he isn’t so sure.

"[via The Los Angeles Times]Randle’s camp is unsure of how mutual the interest has been.“We still have no indication of where Julius stands among the Lakers’ priorities, or if he is a priority at all,” Randle’s agent Aaron Mintz said Saturday in response to Pelinka’s comments. “We are looking forward to the marketplace in July, when we will get a clear picture of Julius’ future.”"

Randle is a restricted free agent this summer, and depending on what the Lakers elect to pursue this summer, could be on the outside looking in with Los Angeles.

But who could blame the Lakers? They have two max salary slots and with LeBron James, Paul George and possibly DeMarcus Cousins on the open market, it would be insane for the Lakers NOT to take a meeting or two this summer.

At the same time, it’s easy to see why Randle might not feel so good about his future with the Lakers. At this point, it’s probably in the best interest for him to act as if the Lakers won’t be matching any offer he gets on the open market – and that might be the best course of action for Randle.

Must Read: NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers open to moving young core for right offer

A new start might not be the worse idea for Julius Randle this summer.

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