The Los Angeles Lakers have been hounded by rumors of the impending retirement of the great Kobe Bryant. While no official confirmation has been made by either the Los Angeles Lakers or Kobe Bryant himself, the NBA team has been said to be preparing for the imminent departure of the Black Mamba. One of the measures taken by the Los Angeles Lakers is to place Julius Randle under an intensive workout regimen following the injury he incurred in the previous NBA season. Working with Big Game James Worthy throughout the NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward appears to be getting the Kobe Bryant treatment - that is, the entire NBA team is now looking up to him to make the calls in the hardwood court.

"Julius [Randle] has an extra dimension to his game that you can't teach or work on," shared Big Game James Worthy, referring to his observations of the rising Los Angeles Lakers star. The NBA veteran added, "He's a natural. He's a natural ox. He's very physical, but he's extremely quick. His first step is really impressive and it reminds me of one of my first step moves." Prior to training with Big Game James Worthy, however, Julius Randle had been through tough times. A year ago, the Los Angeles Lakers second year star suffered from a foot injury which had him out for the entire NBA season and required him to undergo surgery. His condition prompted the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff to place him under strict rehabilitation schedule and routine in an effort to prevent further damage.

Apart from Big Game James Worthy, who has been training Julius Randle throughout the summer and offseason of the NBA, other members of the Los Angeles Lakers roster have nothing but praises and commendations for the player. One of the most vocal star in the Los Angeles Lakers roster who cannot help but rave about the skills of Julius Randle is none other than widely sought after rookie D'Angelo Russell. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie shared, "That dude [Julius Randle] is a matchup problem." D'Angelo Russell further noted, "A walking double-double. I can't speak highly enough about him. He's beast, honestly."

Meanwhile, fans and followers of the Los Angeles Lakers will see Kobe Bryant play a position he has not held for a long time: small forward. With the entrance of D'Angelo Russell and the continuing growth of Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, it looks like the Los Angeles Lakers want Kobe Bryant to spend less time with the ball in his hands and serve as a support for the three up and coming basketball stars. While this may irk some NBA veterans, Kobe Bryant offered a more practical and laidback reaction - one that speaks volumes of his confidence on his standing in the Los Angeles Lakers roster and trust on the new NBA stars who will soon take over once he retires. The Black Mamba said, "Don't have to handle the ball really at all, leaves more time to catch and shoot." Kobe Bryant added, "Makes my job a lot easier."