Julius Randle

Julius Deion Randle (born November 29, 1994) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. Randle was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the seventh overall pick in 2014 NBA draft and subsequently spent four seasons with them before joining New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent at 2019-20 season.

Early life and high school career
Randle was born in Dallas, Texas to Carolyn Kyles who raised him alone alongwith his two siblings. At Prestonwood Christian Academy he averaged 28 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks per game during his senior year after averaging 24 points and 12 boards as junior. Rivals ranked him number one power forward of 2013 class which included Andrew Wiggins Jabari Parker .and Aaron Gordon .

College career
At University of Kentucky Randle set record for most double-doubles by freshman with 24 despite missing last regular season game due to fractured foot suffered against LSU Tigers on March 15th 2014. He finished first year averaging 15 points , 9 rebounds 3 assists 2 steals 1 block playing 33 minutes per game while shooting 50% from field earning All-SEC First Team honors plus SEC Freshman Of The Year award During following off-season he declared himself eligible into 2014 NBA Draft however did not hire agent so remained open option to return back if needed but ultimately decided stay pro declaring “I’m ready live my dream”

Professional Career In June 19th 2014 Julius got picked 7th overall by Los Angeles Lakers where he signed rookie scale contract spending next 4 years there making 112 starts out total 145 appearances their uniform In July 2018 LAL renounced rights make space sign LeBron James allowing become unrestricted free agent signing deal worth $18 million over 2 years + team option third year later that month On February 6 2020 traded Pelicans part Anthony Davis trade package consisting Lonzo Ball Brandon Ingram Josh Hart three future picks exchange ended up starting rest 49 games injury plagued 2019–2020 campaign For 2020/21 NYK signed center multiyear deal even though terms remain undisclosed immediately slotted opening night lineup becoming leader younger core hopes help turnaround fortunes struggling franchise Despite fact already surpassed 10 000 point milestone still very early days yet be seen how further develop being 26 now entering prime age physical peak