Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Julius Randle Reportedly Lost 20 Pounds, Ready to be a Starter

After missing out on his debut season due to a broken leg, Los Angeles Lakers Julius Randle is more than ready to start this year.

Mark Medina of Inside the Lakers reported that Randle has lost 20 pounds after changing his diet. Throughout the offseason, he has also been watching live games and taking notes on different plays. Even though Randle is in great shape, the Lakers will not be risking his health by putting him in the game too early.

Medina wrote:

"The Lakers will stay conservative with his workload both to ease his way back onto the court and to ensure he stays healthy. The Lakers intend for Randle to participate in all of training camp. But they will change that plan if Randle experiences any setbacks. Still, as Kobe Bryant can attest, no amount of treatment and rest can assure any player stays healthy."

Lakers head coach Byron Scott echoed Medina's assumptions. When asked if Randle would be a starter, Scott said, via Lakers Nation, "Julius has developed nicely, and I'm waiting to see when he can go to a full practice every day for the next two weeks. That means training camp throughout the preseason games. And then we'll go from there."

Medina noted that Randle, the first round draft pick out of Kentucky, did not get the starting position last season. Instead, Randle was supposed to compete for minutes behind veteran Carlos Boozer. Randle could also find himself back on the bench this season, playing behind veteran Brandon Bass. He could also be playing behind Metta World Peace, if the Lakers end up signing him.

Even if Randle does not get the starting spot, the Lakers reportedly have plans to develop Randle with the help of their mentors and keep him around for the long haul.

"It appears Randle will lean on those mentors for even further support once he steps on the floor. Scott will offer more honest feedback. Bryant will teach him new things since they will actually play together," Medina continued. "[James] Worthy will provide his take both as a Time Warner Cable Access analyst and an occasional visitor at the Lakers' practice facility. It also seems likely Bass and World Peace (assuming he signs with the Lakers) will guide Randle along the way. They will compete for playing time. They will trade sharp elbows in the name of toughening each other up. They will provide Randle tips on how to defend inside. Add all those up, and it seems Randle will have plenty of resources to help accentuate his strengths and minimize his weaknesses."

Scott will not name the starters before training camp.