Luke Walton admits Julius Randle unhappy over not starting
We’re just one game into the NBA season and the Los Angeles Lakers already have someone dissatisfied with their role on the team.
Lakers coach Luke Walton admitted Friday that forward Julius Randle, who came off the bench in Thursday’s season opening loss, had questionable body language because he was not happy to be out of the starting lineup.
“Obviously, he’s a little frustrated about the starting thing,” Walton admitted, via Bill Oram of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Walton made clear that he had to have a word with Randle, who found himself benched in favor of Larry Nance Jr. and did not do enough when on the floor.
“When he stepped on the court for whatever that he wasn’t ready to go like he has been for the past week (of practices),” Walton said. “So I pulled him out to tell him about it. I know he wasn’t happy with me but that’s my job.”
One of the biggest problems Walton has had since taking over as Lakers coach is getting his young team to stand up and take responsibility. This is not the response you want to see from the 22-year-old Randle upon being challenged to get his spot back.
