Lakers News: Julius Randle’s success doesn’t surprise James Worthy

Few players have exceeded expectations the way Julius Randle has this year. Second-year players rarely win “Most Improved Player”, but he definitely deserves mention alongside anyone for the award. And before people #wellactually me, Randle is technically in his third year, but his rookie season was only 14 minutes long.

Worthy has worked with Randle firsthand on and off throughout the last few years and has had quite the front row seat to this growth. On Thursday’s episode of the “Locked on Lakers” podcast, James Worthy said Randle’s success this season hasn’t really surprised him, even while the rest of the team’s success has.

“Yeah, I expected him to pick up. I expected him to shoot the ball outside a little bit better, which he has. I expected him to use his counters, his drop steps, which he’s had some big moments in games where he’s hit some big buckets with that move.”

Worthy goes on to say he’d like to see Randle continue to improve on his right hand (don’t we all), but for the most part, Worthy knew what Randle was capable of, and we’re seeing it now. He did say he has slightly exceeded expectations, but still, the point remains: When you’re getting praise like this from a Lakers icon, you’re probably doing something right.