The Los Angeles Lakers lost in their season debut but showed a lot of promise in their win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. However, the Lakers might face a tough decision with out of their young asset reportedly frustrated about his role in the team.

Julius Randle, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was projected to start for Los Angeles this season. However, Lakers head coach Luke Walton opted to start Larry Nance Jr.

Julius Randle unhappy of move to second unit

Walton admitted that Randle is not happy about losing his spot in the starting lineup.

The second-year head coach added that he has already reached out to the 22-year-old forward to explain his decision.

“He’s a little frustrated about the starting thing,” Walton told reporters after the season opener on Thursday. “I've explained it's not about whoever being better or playing better, it's about what units play well.”

In their 108-92 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Randle played 18 minutes, tallying nine points and six boards. Against the Suns on Friday, the former Kentucky standout had eight points in 13 minutes. In their first two games, Nance, who took his spot in the starting lineup, averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Julius Randle trade could happen before the deadline

Randle is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-18 NBA season. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that the Lakers and Randle are headed to an “inevitable divorce” soon.

The Lakers had a chance to secure Randle for the next several years, but they did not strike a contract extension before the deadline.

Los Angeles will still have the option to match any offer for Randle next summer to keep him, but it appears the two parties will likely decide to part ways.

And based on how Randle reacted to losing his starting role and not getting a contract extension, the two parties might not wait until after the season to split up. The Lakers could be forced to trade Randle before the February 8 deadline instead of running the risk of losing him for nothing next offseason.

However, it remains to be seen if the Lakers will get attractive offers for the fourth-year forward. Randle’s immaturity is well-documented, which is expected to be a factor on how teams will look at him in possible deals.

Randle, who only played a game during his rookie season after sustaining a broken leg, averaged 13.2 points on top of 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season. The Texas native started in 73 of the 74 games he played in last year.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED