Lakers extend qualifying offer to Julius Randle

The Lakers extended a qualifying contract offer to big man Julius Randle on Wednesday, making him a restricted free agent and possibly setting the stage for his departure after 238 career games over four seasons in Los Angeles.
Randle played all 82 games at center this past season, starting 49. He averaged a career-high 16.1 points on 55.8 percent shooting while helping the Lakers to 35 victories, their highest win total since 2012-13. He also averaged 8 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Randle’s