Lakers Rumors: Julius Randle, LA Not Expected to Agree on Contract Extension

Julius Randle will not likely sign an extension with the Los Angeles Lakers before Monday's deadline.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, the two sides had "cordial conversations" but weren't able to come to an agreement due to cap issues. 

Randle, who is set for his fourth season in the NBA, will become a restricted free agent next summer.

The Lakers have developed a quality young core of players, and the power forward certainly has a chance to be one of them. After he was limited to just 14 minutes in his first season, he has been a valuable commodity in the frontcourt over the past two years with averages of 12.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

He has also developed an outside shot while improving as a passer over the past year.

Although his future with the team is now uncertain, the Lakers would certainly give plenty of consideration toward matching whatever offer he receives on the open market in 2018.

Of course, the big factor in all of this is the cap space for a potentially huge year in free agency for the Lakers.

Los Angeles already has obvious interest in Paul George, enough so that it was hit with a $500,000 fine for tampering. LeBron James is also rumored to be joining the Lakers in the summer, via longtime NBA sports writer Peter Vecsey.

Regardless of how realistic these options are, keeping flexibility in the salary cap allows the organization to pursue these high-priced players while building for both the future and present.

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