The Rookie has played well in the preseason and has shown a well rounded game that he says he modeled after Kobe, even though others wanted him to be like Shaq.
Here are the quotes via SLAM.
“People used to tell me I’m going to be the next Shaq,” said Randle, the 6-9, 250 pound forward growing in height and strength at an early age. “I said, ‘I don’t want to be the next Shaq. I want to be the next Kobe.’ I always dribbled the ball everywhere I went.”
So will Randle eventually showcase a patented fadeaway jumper that Bryant has perfected? […] “I don’t know,” Randle said, laughing. “I guess. You’ll see.”
Randle doesn’t seem to be bothered by playing with Kobe. It is quite the opposite as he seems eager to learn from him.