Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Lakers Never Offered Julius Randle in DeMarcus Cousins Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers never offered Julius Randle when they were trying to trade for DeMarcus Cousins.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports wrote in regards to the young talent:

"Randle returns with a transformed body and ethic: He's never eaten so well, never developed his frame so fiercely, never felt stronger and surer starting a basketball season. He's a hulking 6-foot-9 forward with such possibility, a cornerstone of this Lakers future, the prospect that general manager Mitch Kupchak refused to include in those brief trade talks for Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins."

By not offering Randle, the Lakers were able to control the narrative better. Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com explained that not only did the Lakers increase Randle's trade value, they also kept him happy and confident.

Randle, who was drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft, has been working very hard this year. Ever since he broke his leg in the first NBA game of his career, he has been focused on his game and his body.

"I'm just going to do what's best for the team and whatever I can do to help the team win," the 20-year-old power forward, who has reportedly lost 20 pounds, said.

Even though Randle is looking very good, the Lakers will be monitoring his activity level.

Mark Medina of Inside the Lakers 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."

Randle has been working with Bryant and Metta World Peace.