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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Julius Randle

By Jeremy Lambert

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 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 John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the bench in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 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 John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Julius Randle /
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Restricted free agent Julius Randle may need to find a new home if the Los Angeles Lakers hit it big in free agency. Where are the best fits for the promising young forward?

Julius Randle was the seventh overall pick in the 2014. He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 16.1 points, 2.6 assists, and eight rebounds. In 49 games as a starter, his averages jumped to 18.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 9.1 rebounds.

He’s 23-years-old and it would appear his best basketball is in front of him. On a young Lakers team that includes Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram, Randle would seem to be part of that core. Yet, he’s not. Having a season like Randle in 2017-18 means getting paid when you’re a restricted free agent like Randle. The Lakers don’t want to pay him, at least no immediately. They would prefer to chase stars like Paul George and LeBron James. And if that doesn’t work, then they’ll circle back around to Randle.

No team has to wait for the Lakers. Any team with cap space can send Randle an offer sheet. If he signs it, the Lakers will have 72-hours to match. If LeBron, George, or any other free agent they are chasing hasn’t made a decision by then, The Lakers will be faced with a choice. Let him walk and risk losing the young forward without a guarantee of getting a superstar or two. Or match the offer and lose the cap space they carved out for two max players.

LeBron, George, and DeMarcus Cousins will get all the attention this summer. But  team’s decision to sign Randle could drastically change the market.

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