Mar 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Mar 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Julius Randle Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant

Originally posted on Lakers Nation | By Corey Hansford | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 2:15 PM ET

When the Los Angeles Lakers began their rebuilding process during the final years of the legendary career of Kobe Bryant, the first player they drafted in the lottery was forward Julius Randle. The bruising forward spent his first four years with the Lakers, being fortunate enough to be able to learn from the iconic Bryant early in his career.

Of course, Randle’s rookie season was over before it began as he broke his leg in the Lakers’ season opener, but his second season was Kobe’s final year and he was able to share the court with him throughout. Randle still values his time and the lessons he learned from Bryant during their time together and he paid homage ahead of his most recent return to L.A.

Randle would rock the classic Kobe number 8 jersey ahead of Tuesday night’s contest between the Lakers and Randle’s Minnesota Timberwolves:

Julius Randle repping his former teammate Kobe Bryant ahead of NBC/Peacock action 8pm/pt in LA! pic.twitter.com/u8tCQ1Sxuv

— NBA (@NBA) March 11, 2026

repping a legend. pic.twitter.com/PaVQ0AAPrY

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 11, 2026

Unfortunately for Randle, he had a bit of a tame contest, as did the rest of the Timberwolves, as the Lakers’ defense held them down all night. Randle finished with just 14 points, which still led Minnesota, but the Lakers came away with a 14-point victory and a sweep of the season series.

Randle has spoken about the things he learned from Bryant, not just on the court, but also his mindset off of it and his recovery from surgery his rookie year. There are lessons that Randle still carries on to this day and have helped him become a multi-time All-Star and one of the best forwards in the NBA.

Coincidentally, Kobe was on everyone’s mind on this night, but not because of anything that happened between the Lakers and Timberwolves, but rather because Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo shockingly surpassed Bryant’s famous 81 points by scoring 83 in the Miami Heat’s victory over the Washington Wizards. Regardless, it was great to see Randle showing love to the legend even as he tries to take the Lakers down.

Bam Adebayo discusses what Lakers legend Kobe Bryant would say to him after 83-point game

The biggest news on the night involving Kobe Bryant was the fact that Heat center Bam Adebayo would surpass him by scoring 83 points in a single game. And after the historic night, Adebayo spoke about what he thinks Kobe would’ve said to him if he were still around today.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Lakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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