Lakers News: Julius Randle, Nick Young Receiving Rave Reviews

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off their worst finish (17-65) in franchise history, but that hasn't stopped them from taking a positive approach to the 2016-17 season throughout the preseason. 

With new head coach Luke Walton in tow and positive vibes emanating from practices thanks to a reformed offense and youthful vibe, several key players appear primed for strong years in Southern California. 

So with the start of the regular season less than a week away, here's a look at what players and coaches are saying about some of this year's key contributors.

Draymond Green Heaps Praise on Julius Randle

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After breaking his leg in the first game of his rookie season, Julius Randle effectively used last year as his debut campaign. 

And while it wasn't always pretty, Randle flashed compelling skill en route to finishing as one of nine players to average at least 11 points and 10 rebounds per game last season. 

But with a year under his belt, the former Kentucky standout appears primed for a breakout. 

Just ask Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who told reporters after a recent preseason game that he believes Randle has the package to evolve into a better player than he is. 

"I think he can. I also think he has the potential to be better," Green said, per the Orange County Register's Mark Medina. "With the God-given gifts he has, he has the potential to be better. I'll continue to grow. I'll never stop working and I'll continue to get better. But what is he, 21? That’s a lot of time to continue to grow."

Randle still has plenty of time to develop considering the relatively small sample size of NBA action he's been exposed to, but he won't be able to tap into his superstar potential if he doesn't improve his jump shot. 

Randle shot 56.8 percent on attempts within two feet of the basket last season, but his conversion rate plummeted below 40 percent between three and nine feet. 

And once he moved to the mid-range, things got worse. 

Randle shot worse than 30 percent on all shots beyond 10 feet while converting 10 of his 36 three-point attempts on the season. 

There's also potential for Randle to emerge as a grab-it-and-go playmaker who capitalizes on transition opportunities. 

Since he has a unique blend of power and size at 6'9'' and 250 pounds, Randle wields tantalizing talent that could allow him to be a facilitator who rumbles down the court after pulling down rebounds. 

"When he gets out and pushes the ball every time he gets a defensive rebound, good things are going to happen," Walton said, per Medina. "We might not always make a shot. But we’re going to get an open shot."

If Randle can continue to channel his fierce attitude into positive contributions in the post while expanding his arsenal to include pick-and-pop jumpers and the occasional transition dime, a breakout could be in order. 

Nick Young Due for a Bounce-Back Season? 

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It's been three seasons since Nick Young thrived during his debut in L.A. to the tune of 17.9 points per game on 43.5 percent shooting from the field and 38.6 percent shooting from three. 

However, Swaggy P's success in Hollywood proved to be short-lived. 

Byron Scott was hired, Young's role was reduced and his effectiveness waned rapidly because of tactical changes that didn't jibe with the microwave scorer's approach. 

"He didn’t want us to shoot three-pointers," Young said of Scott, per Medina. "This year is more free flowing and a lot more creative. We’re getting out there and going. It’s a different atmosphere and offense."

Season	MPG	PPG	FG%	3P%	3PA/G
2013-14	28.3	17.9	43.5	38.6	5.5
2014-15	23.8	13.4	36.6	36.9	5.4
2015-16	19.1	7.3	33.9	32.5	4.4

To this point in the preseason, Young has looked like a rejuvenated player thanks to Walton's less rigid system. 

Not only is Young averaging 12 points in 19 minutes a night, but he's also shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 56 percent from three. 

Credit: NBA.com/Stats

In addition to producing more efficiently, Young has received rave reviews for the way he's handled himself throughout training camp. 

"Nick is one of the greatest guys and greatest teammates I ever had," Randle said, per Medina. "He’s not all about himself. He cares about his teammates and cares about his friends. I’m happy to see him up, and I was definitely in his corner. I think he can be great for our team."

Walton also noted that Young has made strides as a competitor on both ends of the floor. 

"I have seen him make an effort to be a good defender," Walton said, per the Los Angeles Times' Jesse Dougherty. "I don’t know what his motivation is behind it. I would assume it’s playing time rather than labels. Nick doesn’t seem like the type of guy who really worries about what other people are saying about him, but he’s been phenomenal for us."

Inconsistencies may continue to be a part of the deal with Young, but some heightened focus and maturity could go a long way to reviving his career in Los Angeles.