Lakers Video: Julius Randle already back in the gym preparing for restricted free agency

Julius Randle made waves last season with insanely gritty offseason workouts that resulted in him getting to training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers appearing to be in the best shape of his life entering his final season before restricted free agency.

Randle’s aesthetic improvements also resulted in a stronger season on the court, as the forward posted career-highs of 16.1 points on 55.8 percent shooting in tandem with the best defense of his career.

There are stereotypes about workouts and seasons like that, the idea that players often only do so heading into a free agent year in order to get paid and then rest on their laurels, but Randle appears to be bucking that line of thought like it’s a defender standing between him and the rim.

As Randle’s trainer Amoila Cesar showed off on Instagram, the burly big man is right back at it trying to keep his career-best roll going (h/t Lakers Outsiders):

And again, this is a workout from a player who could be enjoying their offseason and was already in such good shape that he has teammates comparing him to Thor:

Randle didn’t seem to mind that comparison:

Randle being back in the gym so quickly after the best campaign of his young career is further evidence of the type of worker he is, and that he’s focused on the types of things the Lakers should want him to be focused on.

There is still no guarantee the team will be able to re-sign him this summer if they get their wish and are able to sign two max stars and/or trade for Kawhi Leonard, but Randle is at the very least about as solid of a “Plan B” as the team could have.

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