FanSided NBA Mock Draft 2014

7. Lakers – Julius Randle (F), Kentucky 

(Picked by Jacob Rude at Lake Show Life)

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) celebrates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Randle is the best available player. He learned team concepts from John Calipari. He has a 7 foot wingspan and although his athleticism is not as explosive as other forwards in the draft- his standing vertical is 29″- he has a mature body and more importantly he knows how to use his body in the paint. He is a gifted rebounder who chases down misses and he has a nose for the ball and just plain hustle and aggressiveness. He can play right now. He has a good left hand and doesn’t hesitate when the ball is thrown to him in the paint. Similarly to Zach Randolph, he dominates in the post with an array of moves in his bully ball style. His motivation was evident when he lost 20 pounds in three weeks. The Lakers need defense in the paint. They need a rebounder. They need someone they can dump the ball into in the post and who can either score or pass out of a double team. They need someone who does not give up on plays. Julius plays through traffic and the whistle. His development in the midrange will make him a complete player.