Los Angeles Lakers’ rookie power forward Julius Randle has the chance to be an excellent player but Lakers’ head coach Byron Scott believes he must get in better shape.
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Los Angeles Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant made his return to the court on Monday in a 98-95 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Bryant scored 13 points on five-of-12 shooting, dished out five assists and grabbed five rebounds.
It also marked the debut of the seventh-overall pick in the first round of this summer’s draft, power forward Julius Randle. Julius Randle scored 10 points on five-of-nine shooting, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked a shot.
It looked like quite the debut but Lakers’ head coach Byron Scott pointed out a few of Julius Randle’s problems.
“He’s got to do a better job of setting screens,” said Scott via Eric Pincus of The Los Angeles Times. “He’s got to do a better job of getting up and down the floor. He does that in spurts.”
With the Kentucky Wildcats last season, Julius Randle averaged 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 50.0% from the field and 70.6% from the charity stripe.
“The biggest thing with him right now is that he has to get in better shape. He’s in good shape but he has to get in great shape.”
If Julius Randle doesn’t get in “great shape,” Scott believes he will lose focus.
“When you’re not in great shape and you get tired, you lose focus, it’s that simple,” said Scott. “It’s just a matter of getting him in great shape.”
Julius Randle and the Lakers will return to the court on Thursday night when they battle the Golden State Warriors. The game is on NBA TV.
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