The Los Angeles Lakers have picked up the third-year option on second-year forward Julius Randle‘s contract, reports Eric Pincus of the LA Times:
The Lakers picked up the third year option on Julius Randle’s rookie scale contract
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) October 15, 2015
First-round picks are only guaranteed for two seasons, in case of Randle, the Lakers picking up the 3rd-year option is simply procedural
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) October 15, 2015
The Lakers now have $23.1 million in committed salaries for 2016-17. Besides Randle, they now have Lou Williams, Nick Young, D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Brown, and Larry Nance Jr. locked in for next year. Brandon Bass has a $3.1-million player option on his contract next season.
Randle is the expected starter for the Lakers at power forward this season. He’s come along nicely in the preseason, averaging close to 13 points along with 6 rebounds per contest. Randle’s rookie campaign was cut short last season after suffering a broken leg in the season opener.
The Lakers still have an option on Randle’s $4.1-million salary in 2017-18, but now his $3.3 million for 2016-17 is guaranteed.
