In a recent episode of the What An Experience podcast, former Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball shared a shocking story about how the team treated his former teammate Julius Randle during the 2017-18 season. Ball’s revelations not only shed light on a challenging period in Randle’s career but also left fans regretting what the Lakers missed out on by letting go of such a talent.
Disrespect from the Lakers
According to Lonzo Ball, during a team meeting at the start of the 2017-18 season, the Lakers’ coaching staff outlined roles for each player. When it came to Julius Randle, they instructed him to focus solely on “rebounding and setting screens, nothing else.” This directive stunned Ball, who was a rookie selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
“I was like, ‘What is this?’” Ball recalled. “I had to speak up, like, ‘No way, he’s one of our best players.’ They disrespected him in a crazy way in LA, man.”
Ball’s words not only highlight his frustration with how the Lakers undervalued Randle’s abilities but also mark the beginning of a close bond between the two players. Ball noted that this incident brought him and Randle closer, forging a lasting friendship even after both left the Lakers to pursue their careers elsewhere.
Julius Randle’s Journey to Stardom
Julius Randle, selected by the Lakers as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, spent four seasons with the team. However, a broken tibia in his rookie season limited him to just 14 minutes of play that year. Despite this setback, Randle quickly showed his potential in the following seasons. By the 2017-18 season, he was averaging 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court.
Nevertheless, after that season, the Lakers renounced Randle’s rights, making him a free agent. He signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018, where he elevated his game, averaging 21.4 points per game. Later, with the New York Knicks, Randle continued to shine, posting averages of 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game over five seasons.
Now, at age 30, Randle is a cornerstone for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who defeated the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs and advanced to the Western Conference Finals in the 2024-25 season. With playoff averages of 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, along with a 50.9% shooting efficiency, Randle has proven himself among the league’s elite. He even recorded a triple-double against the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first Timberwolves player to achieve this feat since Kevin Garnett in 2004.
Lakers Fans’ Regret
Randle’s current success has left Lakers fans wondering what could have been had the team retained him. During a six-year playoff drought from 2014 to 2020, the Lakers had a promising young core, including Ball and Randle. However, the decision to let Randle go without receiving any assets in return has been widely criticized.
Lonzo Ball, now playing for the Chicago Bulls, expressed his joy at seeing Randle thrive: “Seeing what he’s doing now, I’m really happy for him.” Ball’s comments serve not only as support for his former teammate but also as a reminder of the Lakers’ missteps in roster management during that era.
A Lesson from the Story
The story of how the Lakers treated Julius Randle is a testament to how teams can sometimes misjudge a player’s potential. For Randle, being limited to a narrow role with the Lakers did not hinder his growth into an all-around star. Instead, it seemed to fuel his determination to prove his worth elsewhere.
As the Timberwolves stand on the cusp of a Western Conference championship, Randle is not only an indispensable part of the team but also a symbol of perseverance and overcoming adversity. With support from former teammates like Lonzo Ball and recognition from NBA legend Magic Johnson, Randle continues to write his success story, leaving the Lakers to reflect on what might have been.