![Julius Randle on the free-throw line in the final seconds of Lakers-Grizzlies game – [image: Lakers Nation/ Youtube]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/4/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/julius-randle-on-the-free-throw-line-in-the-final-seconds-of-lakers-grizzlies-game-image-lakers-nation-youtube_1948901.jpg "Julius Randle on the free-throw line in the final seconds of Lakers-Grizzlies game – [image: Lakers Nation/ Youtube]")
Julius Randle will become a free-agent for the first time in his career this summer. After putting up huge numbers for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, the 6-foot-10 banger is poised for a significant pay hike with the early estimates value him at $14 million per year.
Although Randle’s restricted free agency allows the Lakers to match any offer sheet, the franchise’s obsession with landing two max-level free agents poses the biggest hurdle in keeping the blooming power forward in Hollywood.
Recently, TMZ Sports got a chance to ask Randle how he feels about the rumors circulating these days, particularly on a potential superstar team-up in L.A featuring LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.
Below is the clip of the ambushed interview:
As what Randle said in the video, he only cares about his own free agency and doesn’t pay attention to any rumors on another player, which is the correct mindset heading into the biggest summer of his career.
Rumored Suitors for J-Randle
Outside of the Lakers, the Dallas-native is expected to draw the interest of several ball clubs, including his hometown team the Dallas Mavericks, the Portland Blazers, the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets.
Of the four teams, the Mavericks look to be the favorite because of their home court edge and ability to offer a contract north of $16 million per year. Dallas also has a gaping hole to fill at the power forward spot with franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki nearing retirement.
The Blazers could also provide a fresh start to Randle’s career but they may not have enough cash to meet his asking price. The Jazz appears to be the wildcard team in this race because of their promising young core in place.
Utah could pitch the idea of a Big Three featuring him, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
Looking from the outside are the Nets, who will have a significant cap space this summer. Of course, the downside in joining Brooklyn is they are still rebuilding and it may take a while for them to be relevant in the East.
If the Lakers say pass, where do you think Julius Randle will play next?
— Lou R. Aguila (@Shonen_lord) April 21, 2018
Kyle Kuzma is untouchable
In Friday’s ‘ESPN First Take’ episode, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith discussed the Kawhi Leonard to Los Angeles trade scenario and provided a number of reasons why the Lakers should observe patience amid all the trade buzz.
Although he’s a proponent of keeping the young core intact, Smith did admit that he wouldn’t mind including No.2 overall pick Lonzo Ball in the package for Leonard if the Spurs make their star available. As a matter of fact, he likes the Lakers chance of landing Kawhi with the trade package of Ball, Randle (sign-and-trade) and Brandon Ingram.
Kuzma, arguably the biggest steal in the 2017 NBA Draft at No.27 overall, turns out to be the only untouchable player on the Lakers roster in the event Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka pursue a trade for Leonard, according to Smith.
Kuzma averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and shot 45 percent from the floor (36.6 percent from 3-point area) in his rookie year.
Apart from his skills set that fits nicely with the modern game, many NBA pundits rave about his maturity and work ethic. Smith believes Kuzma will turn out to be a star, a certified blockbuster talent who is worth keeping for.
