Los Angeles Lakers Pick Up Third-Year Option on Julius Randle's Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers are committed to Julius Randle.

The Lakers have reportedly picked up the third-year option on the 20-year-old rookie's contract. General Manager Mitch Kupchak made the announcement on Thursday.

Randle now has a $3.26 million guaranteed salary for the 2016-17 season. The Lakers also have the option of picking up Randle's $4.1 million salary next summer for the following season.

Randle, who was a first-round draft pick in 2014, has been working very hard on his body and game after he broke his leg in his first ever NBA game last season. The forward, who is projected to be a starter this year, has averaged 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.20 steals in 24.5 minutes over the span of five preseason games.

Lakers Nation noted that Randle on track to have a great year:

"One of the stars of the Lakers preseason so far, Randle has impressed many fans with his ability to handle the ball in transition and make plays for others, as well as his brute strength on the block. He has been difficult to stop for most opponents so far and the Lakers hope that continues."

Randle's teammates have been praising him throughout the offseason.

"He's a man," veteran Metta World Peace, who has been working with Randle, said. "He's Julius Randle.... His ceiling is as high as destiny. We don't know because he's only 19. I don't want to predict the future because so many great things are going to happen from now until he's like 30."

2015 first-round draft pick D'Angelo Russell added, "That dude is a matchup problem. A walking double-double. I can't speak highly enough about him. He's beast, honestly."

Despite all of the high praise, Randle stated that he is not focused on his own numbers but rather on how he can help his team win.

"I'm just going to do what's best for the team and whatever I can do to help the team win," he said. "I'm not a guy that puts a number on things. It's about how you affect the game. It's more than just points and rebounds to affect the game to win. That's going to be the biggest thing, how can I affect the game for us to win as many possible games as possible?"

Randle will join five other Lakers who are locked in for next year. These players include reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, Russell, Nick Young, Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown. Veteran Brandon Bass has a player option.

Randle will be making $3.13 million his season.