Lakers Injury Update: Julius Randle cleared for 3-on-3 contact drills

Julius Randle is inching ever closer to a return to the Los Angeles Lakers. He was spotted at pre-draft workouts today getting some shots up and working on his game. Time Warner sports reporter Mike Trudell reported that Randle has moved forward with his recovery from the broken leg he suffered in the first game of the 2014-2015 season and is now cleared to play half-court basketball in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 settings.

Julius Randle continues to progress and has been cleared for full contact half court 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 sessions. Next step: 4-on-4.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 28, 2015

The goal will be to get Randle back in time to participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins on July 10th. The bruising power forward wowed Lakers fans at last year's Summer League with his surprising ball handling skills and chemistry with 46th-pick Jordan Clarkson.

Both Clarkson and Randle will have a few new teammates to work with this summer as the Lakers hold the 2nd, 27th, and 34th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, where they are reportedly hoping to select Karl-Anthony Towns. Should Towns be off the board the team will likely choose between Jahlil Okafor, D'Angelo Russell, and Emanuel Mudiay. Each of the "Big 4" prospects could be a tantalizing fit alongside Randle and Clarkson, although Julius would like to see Towns, his fellow Kentuck alum, end up in purple and gold.

Asked Julius Randle about an all-Kentucky frontcourt if Lakers draft Towns. He chuckled and said, "It wouldn't be bad at all."

— Bill Oram (@billoram) May 28, 2015

With the 2nd pick in the draft, first-team all-rookie Jordan Clarkson, and a healthy Julius Randle the Lakers will have a solid young core for fans to get behind. It's time to get excited Lakers fans, help is on the way.

Update: The Lakers posted this Vine of Randle in action:

Good to see him working on his right hand! Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News posted another clip worth taking a gander at: