Why is Julius Randle looking forward to playing with LeBron James in All-Star game 2023?

Julius Randle is longing for probably his last chance to play with LeBron James before the GOAT candidate hangs up his jersey. The New York Knicks power forward is looking to team up with the four-time MVP if the newly-named team captain picks him for his squad.

When asked by reporters about the players he wants the opportunity to play with, Randle had this to say:

“Never be on play with Bron [James], PG [George]. … I got a relationship with P and I’ve never played with LeBron. So, it would be fun to do before he gets his old a** outta here.”

Julius Randle and LeBron James nearly became LA Lakers teammates in the summer of 2018. Magic Johnson just successfully recruited James to bring his talents to Hollywood, but the Lakers couldn’t hold on to Randle.

Randle, who was a free agent at the time, was expected to have a smaller role with the Lakers following the arrival of LeBron James. The budding forward left Los Angeles to play alongside Anthony Davis in New Orleans.

Davis and Randle played just one season with the Pelicans as the Lakers traded for AD, reportedly after “King James’” push.

When Julius Randle was selected for his first NBA All-Star game, Kevin Durant drafted him to be part of his team. They took on and lost 170-150 to Team LeBron.

LeBron James will be playing in his record-tying 19th All-Star game. He’s in his 20th season but will likely be part of the annual festivities until he retires a few years from now.

Julius Randle, on the other hand, is not guaranteed to get another All-Star nod. There are up-and-coming stars who could prevent his inclusion into the exclusive yearly club. The game in Salt Lake City could be his final chance to play with arguably the greatest to play basketball.

---

Julius Randle and LeBron James are leading their respective teams to a possible playoff spot

For most of the season, the New York Knicks have largely kept themselves in the middle of the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference. They hold a 33-27 mark, which puts them in sixth place in the standings. If they can keep this spot until the regular season ends, they’ll be able to avoid the dreaded play-in tournament.

Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been the biggest reasons why the Knicks could return to the postseason.

The LA Lakers, on the other hand, have been languishing in 13th place in the Western Conference for most of the season. LeBron James has been not-so-subtly sending messages to the front office that the roster has to be revamped.

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made a series of moves starting with Rui Hachimura’s acquisition from the Washington Wizards. He then orchestrated what Laker Nation had been expecting since last season - trade Russell Westbrook.

LeBron James’ new crew now includes Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, De’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Mo Bamba. Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, and Patrick Beverley are no longer with the team.

The revamped supporting cast could push James and the Lakers to at least one coveted spot in the play-in.