ESPN : Two years after injury, Lakers' Julius Beast regaining complete confidence

[Mirjalovic]

Last season was essentially Beast's rookie campaign, and the former Kentucky standout didn't disappoint, becoming one of nine players to average a double-double (11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds) while doing so in fewer minutes (28.2) than anyone in that group.

Yet Beast's resurgence, especially after such an injury, was overshadowed by Kobe Bryant's farewell tour. Even this season, Beast''s strong play is a bit overlooked because it's competing with several other Lakers' story lines, such as the emergence of Russell, the intrigue of 2016 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram and new head coach Walton.

However, Beast continues to show why he's considered a key element to the Lakers' rebuilding efforts, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound athletic bruiser who can handle the ball, and his progress is in no small part to simply being able to trust his right leg again.
"There's more confidence, and it just comes with playing, getting back used to your body," Beast said Sunday.

its a good read.

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http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-lakers/post/_/id/43421/two-years-after-injury-lakers-randle-regaining-complete-confidence-in-his-once-broken-leg

[Mirjalovic]

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[Slava]

Good stuff. The part about him actually jumping and landing on one leg instead of using both legs might explain a bit on his finishing woes last season. I don't think shooting 68% is sustainable but if he develops further in this frame of mind, he will be a special player.

I also observed Walton getting him driving opportunities against a collapsed defense with a head start off simple actions, which seems a bit ingenious.

Overall I love what is developing into a formidable two man game between Randle and Russell which I hadn't expected going into the season. Which brings us to this:

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That's elite company.

[The Prodigy]

Notable improvements in finishing, PnR play and transition playmaking. Keep it up Ju.

[AmusingFiddle]

As expected (at least by me). Glad the league and critics are starting to notice. I was tired of reading all the BS about him in the other forums.

Come to think of it there is just way too much over exaggerated BS especially regarding Lakers. I often type lengthy replies and delete to avoid any unnecessary back & forth.

[Tee212]

all he needs is a mid range J or even a 3p hes instant all star

[ArC_man]

Do you have an add-on for your browser that replaces "Randle" with "Beast"?

[danfantastk32]

As expected (at least by me). Glad the league and critics are starting to notice. I was tired of reading all the BS about him in the other forums.

Yeah...hearing guys call him a 'bust' is just frustrating as hell. The guy averaged a double-double last season, which was for all intents and purposes, his rookie season. How is that a bust?

The guy can get a little out of control. He has those 2-3 things he likes to do, and I think he relies on too limited of an arsenal...but at the same time, he's getting in done, and he's just entered his 2nd season. It's mind-boggling how fans can be, at times. Very unfair.

[RingsDontLie]

He is my favorite player on this roster. I think hes underrated by the league. If he can just develop a mid range game i dont think he can be stopped. Heck hes hard to stop now when you kniw he would rather drive to the cup.

[madmaxmedia]

I don't think shooting 68% is sustainable but if he develops further in this frame of mind, he will be a special player.

Oh but if only it was!!!

He did just fine last year considering he had an entire year off and had to physically and emotionally recover from a serious injury. People got down on him a little for going to the well too many times on his 1 or 2 moves, but compare that to a lot of young players who have basically nothing working at the beginning of their NBA career, and slowly develop them over time. What he did show last year was a good base to build on.