Lakers draft pick Julius Randle does not need surgery on his right foot and is clear to begin playing, The Times has learned.
Randle consulted with foot specialist David Porter on Wednesday in Indiana and was told he did not need a screw to be replaced or removed in the foot.
Randle had surgery on the foot about 18 months ago to repair a broken bone. It did not affect him last season at Kentucky and he was drafted seventh overall by the Lakers last Thursday.
It is not certain that the power forward will play for the Lakers when summer league begins next week. He would need to be signed in order to play, and the Lakers were trying to hold off on that until the free agency period moves forward.
The Lakers are hoping to offer a maximum contract to free agent Carmelo Anthony, who they are meeting with in Los Angeles on Thursday.
If Randle, 19, had needed surgery, it would have sidelined him for several months but was not expected to affect the rest of his pro career.
He averaged 15 points and 10.4 rebounds in his only season at the University of Kentucky.