Before the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on November 27, one Laker admitted that he did not purchase a pair of ZO2s. The ZO2s are shoes made by the Big Baller Brand for Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball.
The Lakers player who made this revelation was Julius Randle. TMZ caught up with Randle the night ahead of the Lakers' second loss to the Clippers this season. Randle got questioned on whether he bought a pair of ZO2s. The 22-year-old prospect out of Kentucky said he did not because he is a "Nike guy."
It is likely that the other teammates of Lonzo Ball also passed on the chance to order a pair of his signature sneakers from the Big Baller Brand.
Their reason could be similar to Randle's.
Undetermined future
In other Lakers matters involving Julius Randle, the power forward has been stepping up for the purple and gold franchise this season. Unfortunately, his future with the organization is uncertain.
Randle is yet to start a game for the Lakers in their present campaign. However, in 20 appearances coming off the bench, he has averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per outing. Randle is among the reasons why the Lakers have one of the best second units in the NBA today.
Sadly, all of Randle's effort this season could be for naught. As mentioned, his future with the Lakers is hazy right now. In October, the Lakers had an opportunity to sign Randle to an extension.
Both sides reportedly had "cordial conversations" according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, but no agreement materialized.
Due to this, Randle is going to be a restricted free agent in 2018. As a restricted free agent, he could sign an offer sheet from a different team, though the Lakers can match it. The only question is, are the Lakers still keen on keeping him?
There are talks that they would let him go to save space in their salary cap, which will give them the ability to sign stars during next year's free agency period. Meanwhile, some rumors say that the Lakers are looking to trade Randle.
Lakers schedule
Julius Randle and the Lakers will attempt to arrest a two-game losing streak on November 29 when they host the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center.
The Warriors are also coming off a defeat to the Sacramento Kings, that led to a 15-6 record and kept them on the second spot in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers, on the other hand, are currently 11th in the West at 8-12.
