Julius Randle Reportedly Cleared To Play, Foot Is Okay

Julius Randle is breathing a huge sigh of relief; his foot is fine.

After a consultation and examination with foot specialist Dr. David Porter, Randle, the first-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft and the seventh player chosen overall, has been cleared to play, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Randle had a screw inserted into his right foot 18 months ago during foot surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal. There was a fear that he would need the screw either removed or replaced before he could begin playing in the NBA Summer League once he signs with the Lakers. The foot passed, and Randle cleared his physical.

He suffered the injury during the start of his senior year of high school basketball, according to ESPN. Randle himself is surprised by the attention this is bringing.

“I didn’t have any pain,” he said. “It never really gave me any trouble last year whether it was in practice or in a game. It kind of caught me by surprise when that [injury] stuff came out.” Randle also said Monday. During his only year at Kentucky, Randle averaged 15 points and 10.4 rebounds, and Randle states he had no issues with the repair.

“I kind of knew what the diagnosis was going to be as far as clearing me to play, but to finally have it over and that whole whirlwind of flying places and all that drama, to finally have that over with is definitely a relief and I can finally play basketball,” he said. As it turns out, the screw — and Randle’s foot — are fine.

No further surgery is required, per the examination with Dr. Porter. The only obstacle now for Randle is to sign his rookie contract. During the free agent-signing period, from July 1 to July 10, is the beginning of the frenzied maneuvering of NBA teams trying to collect desired talent to bolster their rosters. The Lakers, wouldn’t actually mind waiting, By delaying Randle’s signing, they could that extra money to sign free agents such as Carmelo Anthony or Pau Gasol. The waiting can give the Lakers $500,000 to be used toward any kind of free agent signing. The Lakers open the NBA Summer League season July 11 against the Toronto Raptors. Randle says he is ready to play, but can wait, for at least a little while. “We’ll see,” he said. “It’s kind of really out of my hands right now. I’m ready to play whenever.”