When Julius Randle first joined the NBA, he expressed his desire to emulate Kobe Bryant by staying loyal to one team throughout his career. However, his agent cautioned him that this goal would be challenging, and Julius soon realized the truth of that statement.
After spending four seasons with the Lakers, Randle opted for free agency and joined the New Orleans Pelicans. However, when Anthony Davis departed from the team, Randle decided to move on. He initially considered Chicago or Dallas but ultimately landed in New York.
Julius Randle to emulate Kobe Bryant’s career with Lakers
The legendary Kobe Bryant achieved over 6,000 assists during his remarkable NBA career. One additional assist, however, is indirectly credited to him by former teammate Julius Randle, benefiting the New York Knicks rather than the Los Angeles Lakers.
Julius Randle reflected on his journey to New York while appearing on the “Roommates Show,” hosted by current Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. This podcast session brought together basketball minds from the Big Apple, both integral to the Knicks’ resurgence on the court, with the team now standing at 41-28 and on the verge of consecutive playoff appearances after over a decade.
Julius Randle thanked Bryant for inspiring him to join the Knicks with his “Mamba mentality” back in July 2019. Despite the Knicks’ previous struggles with six losing seasons and a challenging 17-win campaign under David Fizdale, Bryant’s influence motivated Randle to embrace the opportunity.
Recalling Bryant’s fearless approach, Randle said, “I had just been around a dude who would take on any challenge. It didn’t matter what it was. So I kind of felt like it was like that Kobe spirit, Mamba Mentality in me, like man, let me take on this challenge and see what happens.”
After initially facing challenges, Julius Randle’s potential blossomed under head coach Tom Thibodeau in 2020. He earned All-Star and Most Improved Player honors, solidifying his position as a critical Knicks player.
Looking back at his NBA journey from being the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2014 to his current success with the Knicks, Randle acknowledged the ups and downs. His move to New York revitalized the team and propelled his career toward stardom.
Randle aptly said, “Everything that I wanted to envision happening is happening now. We’re still not there, but we’re on the way.”
Randle’s goal was not just personal success but also to elevate the Knicks’ reputation and transform New York into a desirable destination for players. His dedication to legacy and challenging himself has endeared him to Knicks fans, who appreciate his contributions on and off the court.
What was the reason for Julius Randle’s Lakers departure?
In 2018, Julius was initially benched at the start of the season. He believed in his skills and felt deserving of the starting position. As the season unfolded, he proved to be a machine, earning back his starting spot and increasing his playing time.
However, with players like Ingram, Kuzma, and Randle all fighting for similar positions, along with LeBron joining the team, Randle’s role on the court diminished significantly. Despite his hard work and dedication, he realized that his aspirations to shine and become a star in the league might be better achieved elsewhere.
By the end of the season, the Lakers gave up their rights to Randle, granting him unrestricted free agency. Shortly after, on July 9, Randle inked a lucrative two-year deal worth $18 million with the New Orleans Pelicans.
There are many Lakers fans around who believe it was a mistake not to re-sign him, anticipating that he could have an All-Star caliber season ahead, but it’s just unfortunate that he hasn’t made it with the purple and gold.
Let us know in the comment section what you think about Julius Randle’s departure from the Lakers.
