The Los Angeles Lakers’ first pick in the 2014 Draft sustained a devastating, season-ending leg injury in the midst of the Lakers’ 108-90 loss to the Houston Rockets in their season opener.
Julius Randle, a 19-year-old former University of Kentucky standout, was the seventh overall pick in the most recent draft. In his professional debut at the Lakers’ home court, Randle went down in the Fourth Quarter with a clean break of his right tibia.
After his surgery, it was confirmed that Randle would not be returning to the lineup anytime this season.
Moments after he scored his first and only professional points, the Staples Center crowd went silent as the Lakers team huddled around the injured Randle underneath the basket.
Looking at the injury in a positive way, Blake Griffin—who also sustained a season-ending injury his rookie year—explained to a local LA radio show that this is an opportunity for Randle to grow as a teammate.
Griffin told the radio host that Randle will be able to closely watch his team from the bench all season, gaining knowledge about how his team functions and the intricate logistics of professional basketball.
We all hope for a speedy recovery and hope to see Randle back in action as soon as possible.
