Lonzo Ball opened up about the Los Angeles Lakers’ treatment of Julius Randle during their shared 2017-18 season, highlighting what he described as a “disrespectful” limitation of Randle’s offensive role. Ball on Lakers’ treatment of Julius Randle drew attention as both players navigated a pivotal year together on the Lakers’ roster before Randle moved on to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Lonzo Ball Details Randle’s Restricted Role with the Lakers

During a recent interview, Ball recalled how the Lakers management defined players’ responsibilities for the season. He said the coaching staff instructed Randle to

“just rebound and set screens, nothing else,”

which Ball challenged.

“I’m like nah. I lowkey spoke up. He one of our best players. … We got cool after that. Now look at what he’s doing,”

Ball remarked, defending Randle’s capabilities beyond the limited scope he was given.

Despite being confined offensively, Randle delivered a strong performance, averaging 16.1 points per game, matching teammates Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram as the team’s top scorers. He also led the Lakers in rebounds with 8.0 per game and contributed 2.6 assists. Ball, as the team’s point guard, played a key role in facilitating the offense with a team-best 7.2 assists per game, supporting Randle’s involvement.

Context of the 2017-18 Lakers and Randle’s Departure

Randle was originally drafted by the Lakers in 2014 as the seventh overall pick, while Ball was the second overall pick in the 2017 draft. The 2017-18 season brought these two talents together, but the Lakers finished with a disappointing 35-47 record, placing 11th in the Western Conference. The young roster included notable players such as Jordan Clarkson, Alex Caruso, and Josh Hart alongside Ball, Randle, Kuzma, and Ingram.

Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations at the time, aimed to rebuild the squad by acquiring LeBron James from Cleveland. Unfortunately, Randle was released when the Lakers renounced his rights to sign Rajon Rondo, whom LeBron reportedly wanted as a teammate. This decision made Randle a casualty in the Lakers’ restructuring efforts.

Julius Randle’s Progress After Leaving the Lakers

Following the Lakers’ decision not to retain him in 2018, Julius Randle signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, which included a player option after one season. Randle then moved on to the New York Knicks after his stint in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball’s Lakers tenure lasted just one season after Randle’s departure.

The Lakers, now reshaped around LeBron James, concluded the 2018-19 season with a 37-45 record, ranking 10th in the Western Conference. New Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka orchestrated a trade sending Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple first-round picks to New Orleans to secure superstar Anthony Davis. Ball’s trade to the Pelicans meant he missed the opportunity to play with Randle in New Orleans by a single season.

Randle’s Impact Against the Lakers in Playoffs

Now playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Julius Randle proved to be a formidable opponent for the Lakers. In the 2025 playoffs’ first round, Randle averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 48.1% overall and 39.3% from three-point range. His strong performance helped the Timberwolves defeat the Lakers 4-1 in the series, underscoring how Randle’s growth has outpaced the limited role he was once given in Los Angeles.