Julius Randle, Lakers Rookie, Breaks Leg in NBA Debut (VIDEO)
Julius Randle, the rookie player for the Los Angeles Lakers, broke his leg in his NBA debut Tuesday night, according to reports. The 19-year-old's right tibia was fractured in the fourth quarter when he went up for a shot against the Houston Rockets.
Julius Randle immediately fell to the court screaming in pain while fans watched in fear. Players like Kobe Bryant and others crowded around him as he informed trainer Gary Vitti that he was in too much pain to even move the leg.
The 6-foot-9 forward will most likely be off the court for months, and because he was the Lakers' first round pick — Randle was picked no. 7 overall for his shooting and rebounding skills — the team is in real trouble. The forward's injury is a double whammy for a team that already lost famed point guard Steve Nash to nerve damage and has Bryant coming off a torn Achilles tendon.
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Many players called for support of the NBA rookie as he recovers.
"Damn I didn't wanna see the young boy go down like that! Prayers up @j30_randle! Trust the process God got you!" tweeted Paul George of the Indiana Pacers. He had an equally gruesome injury earlier this year.
"Praying for a speedy recovery young fella.. Keep yo head up @j30_randle I hate injuries," Nick Young posted on his Twitter account.
"Praying for the best and speedy recovery for Julius Randle! Never want to see that happen to anybody," Stephen Curry agreed.
"I had the same injury as @j30_randle," said Lakers legend James Worthy on his account. "He'll recover fine. #Stay Strong."
