Julius Randle Pays Kobe Bryant Tribute After Sensational Performance vs Curry-Less Warriors

Julius Randle memorializes Kobe Bryant and dishes on his role on keeping himself motivated through injury struggles.

Julius Randle Pays Kobe Bryant Tribute After Sensational Performance vs Curry-Less Warriors

Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle (Image via Firstsportz)

Drafting Julius Randle was the highlight of a forgettable 2013-14 NBA campaign for the Lakers, who were without Kobe Bryant. Bryant played only a few games after staging a comeback in record time from his Achilles tear in April 2013. The Black Mamba aside, the Lakers had little to no offense in that year. His return and the legend around it had an aura that transcended the world of sports and bled into pop culture.

Julius Randle then spent two years representing the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant. Even though ‘Vino’ was washed, his work ethic and commitment to putting in the hard yards would be the gold standard. Randle could also relate to Bryant’s frustrations, having suffered a season-ending injury in his debut Lakers game. The past and the future of the Lakers franchise at the time had things they could bond over.

Randle was later allowed to walk as a free agent, but his continued career improvements prove that Bryant’s work ethic rubbed off solidly on the no. 7 pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. Addressing the media after the Timberwolves took a 3-1 series lead, Randle spoke about Bryant’s impact on his career. He also attributed credit to the five-time NBA champion for helping him build mental fortitude.

I’ve battled through a lot in my career. My first game in my career I broke my leg. I’ve been through a lot, and I had a great mentor in Kobe. That didn’t necessarily let me pout or get down on myself. His thing was always ‘Alright, what’s next? How can you get better? How can you improve?’ So I always just took that mentality with me. Growing up, my mom raised me to be a hard worker and not feel sorry for myself. So I just think it’s in my DNA and it’s a part of who I am. I look forward to challenges, adversity, and all that different type of stuff. That’s room for growth.

Julius Randle in reply to how he battles adversity, such as missing the 2024 NBA playoffs

Randle missed the 2024 NBA playoffs while on the Knicks due to injuries as well. This was after having arguably the best regular season campaign of his career, so it would have doubly hurt him.

Julius Randle has been the key for Minnesota this season

The Minnesota Timberwolves went on a tear after Julius Randle returned from his injury troubles in February this season. The team has only lost six games in nearly three months since his return from a groin strain in late January. Their 29-6 record in this timeframe has only been bettered by OKC in this period.

Randle was also crucial to the Wolves’ defensive strategy against the Lakers. He drew LeBron James as his primary assignment and helped to keep the four-time NBA champion in check defensively. Randle also exploited James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on offense, giving the Wolves a bully ball dimension that they didn’t previously have. The 30-year-old deserves a long amount of credit for the 4-1 series result.

Randle has also been key against the Warriors, often having to defend Jimmy Butler. The combo forward’s play on that end led to Butler only being able to take 9 shots in game 4. Randle will need to keep this pace up in order to lead the Wolves past the Warriors, and perhaps make a Finals run. Facing Denver or OKC will test the limits of the Timberwolves’ roster construction in various ways.

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