Lakers Social Media Video: Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle Working Out While Getting Hazed
Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

With a nine-win improvement and young core to build on, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering arguably their most important offseason in recent memory. It will begin with the 2018 NBA Draft, in which they hold the No. 25 (first round) and No. 47 (second round) picks.

The Lakers’ lottery pick was owed to either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers, and it wound up falling into the hands of the latter at 10th overall. After the draft, free agency will take center stage.

The Lakers have more salary cap space available than any team, and they’re expected to pursue the likes of LeBron James and Paul George. Meanwhile, internally, a bar has been set for Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and others.

Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka presented the youngsters with lookbooks that contained images of Kobe Bryant and other All-Stars. The message was clear: spend the summer in the gym as a means of improving.

In some cases, particularly with Hart and Kuzma, those workouts have taken place inside the Lakers’ UCLA Health Training Center and been recorded by media. Though he’s been in the shadow, Kuzma insisted Ball was taking his workout regimen more seriously.

Hart treated fans to a glimpse of Ball working out at the team’s practice facility, though mainly to rib the rookie point guard for listening to his own mixtape while doing so. Meanwhile, Randle’s trainer, Amoila Cesar, had his fun at the expense of the athletic forward.

While much of the Lakers young core remains under contract, Randle is someone to watch. He’s due to become a restricted free agent on July 1, and his future is largely believed to be dependent on how the Lakers fare in convincing a superstar free agent — or two — to sign.

As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.

You May Also Like

Jeremy Lin Discusses Difference Between Coach D’Antoni And McHale

Jeremy Lin has had a unique NBA career. He came out of…

Lakers Video: Drake Recalls The First Time He Met Kobe Bryant

Even for some of the most famous people in the world there are certain people whom they might get nervous…

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Utah Jazz NBA Highlights

With a week before the start of the regular season, the Los…

All-Star Game Highlights: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry & Damian Lillard Lead Team LeBron To Victory

Team LeBron James looked better on paper and in practice against Team Kevin Durant during the 2021 All-Star…