D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle join U.S. Olympic preparation
Laker stars D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle have been named to a “select” squad of young players who will practice with the U.S. men’s Olympic team in advance of the 2016 Summer Games.
Former UCLA guard Zach LaVine is also on the 25-man team that will report to national training camp in Las Vegas next month.
“Being chosen for the select team is an honor and it is an important step in becoming involved in USA Basketball’s national team program in the future,” said Jerry Colangelo, the program’s managing director.
The likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Kevin Love and Michael Westbrook started as select players before being promoted.
USA Basketball released the list Tuesday as it continues to whittle down its options for the 12-man Olympic roster.
Colangelo told the Associated Press that 14 or 15 players remain in contention, with the final roster dependent on whether LeBron James decides to participate.
Injuries have forced several marquee players, including Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin, to skip the Games this time around.
Randle, 21, averaged a double-double during the 2015-16 season with the Lakers.
He averaged 11.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in 81 games, with 60 starts.
Russell, 20, started in 48 of the 80 games he played in during his rookie season.
He averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28.2 minutes per game.
Russell was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team.
Twitter: @LATimesWharton
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