In their ongoing quest to evaluate prospects leading up to the NBA Draft, the Lakers will work out Kentucky forward Julius Randle on Tuesday at the Lakers’ practice facility.
Randle will complete an individual workout, which starkly contrasts the Lakers first pre-draft workout that featured 12 prospects competing in a series of shooting, ball handling, three-on-three and two-on-two drills. But Randle’s workout should notably answer some concerns surrounding a recent Yahoo! report that says he will need surgery on his right foot after the draft on June 26. The report also states that Randle is expected to sit out for six to eight weeks following the draft, though he is expected to be healthy by training camp.
Randle vented his frustrations surrounding the story through Twitter, though he never specifically denied what was reported.
I never do this but it was brought to me and it's crazy how people put stories out there and have no clue what they are talking about.
— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) June 12, 2014
No disrespect but check with the actual source next time before you put something like that out there @WojYahooNBA
— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) June 12, 2014
Regardless, this development could hurt Randle’s draft stock, a scenario that could benefit the Lakers when they have their seventh overall pick.
Analysts compare Randle to Memphis forward Zach Randolph for his bruising play and nation-leading 24 double doubles last season with the Wildcats. But questions also persist on Randolph’s defense and health.
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