“F**k you mean I’m not starting?” Julius Randle recalls seeing different side of Magic Johnson for first time

Randle recounted a training camp story from his time with the Lakers.

“F**k you mean I’m not starting?” Julius Randle recalls seeing different side of Magic Johnson for first time

Julius Randle shared a story about his encounter with Magic Johnson

The New York Knicks star Julius Randle has been making headlines lately after sharing a particular story about Lakers legend Magic Johnson during a recent podcast. Randle was with the Lakers under Johnson’s management back in 2013 but did not make a significant mark in the decorated franchise at that time.

On the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Randle recounted a story from his time during a Lakers training camp. He was performing well and expected to start the season in the opening five. However, Johnson told him he wouldn’t be starting which shocked and frustrated Randle, especially since it was a crucial contract year for him.

I'm playing well in training camp, we get to the beginning of the season, and he's (Magic Johnson) like, 'Yo, you not starting.' I'm like, 'What? F**k you mean I'm not starting?' ... And it's my contract year, too. I got to figure this out. ... From there, that was kind of like my breakthrough, just keep getting better. ... That's always been my mentality.
Julius Randle said

Randle claimed that Johnson helped him develop a strong mentality as a professional NBA player. Although he didn’t make it big with the Lakers, he left a positive impression that led other teams to pick him up.

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Randle would eventually join the New Orleans Pelicans, as Johnson and Co. weren’t convinced he deserved another lucrative contract. However, after two seasons, Randle left the Pelicans and signed with the New York Knicks. Over the past four years, he has thrived in Manhattan, earning three All-Star selections.

Julius Randle provides important update on his injury ahead of 2024-25 NBA season

Julius Randle underwent a shoulder surgery ahead of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, missing out on many crucial matchups. Recently, Randle provided an important update regarding his shoulder injury on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast.

I’m good, bro. … I’m good, I’m healthy, I’m getting there. It’s a process. It’s something that’s going to take a long time. I knew that going into it. But I’m ahead of schedule, I’m feeling good. I’m healthy. I’ll be ready when the season starts.
Julius Randle said

On April 9, Randle underwent surgery in Los Angeles, more than two months after he sustained a dislocated shoulder and less than two weeks before the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the 76ers. His recovery has no set timetable as of yet. Before the NBA season begins, it is unclear when Randle will return to the Knicks training camp.

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