VIDEO: Randle returns to action as Russell and Towns square off; LaVine shines

Julius Randle made his return to action at Las Vegas Summer League on Friday, nearly nine months after breaking his right tibia in his NBA debut.

The No. 7 overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers last June has had the Vegas tournament as a target for months, and the next 10 days should give him a chance to shake off any rust. It could also help him battle through any trepidation about re-injury, as Randle was cleared for 5-on-5 activities only two weeks ago.

Randle showed little hesitation in his re-introduction, scoring 11 points in 21 minutes as the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He coughed the ball up four times and grabbed just one rebound, but, considering he's still working his way back into peak form, the burst and aggression were impressive.

To wit, here's Randle driving for an awesome baseline dunk late in the fourth quarter:

The game showed a glimpse of what could be the Lakers' core for the next several years. Jordan Clarkson looked excellent, scoring 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, and No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell fought through foul and turnover issues to score eight points with five rebounds and six assists.

Opposite Russell was No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 12 points and four assists in 32 minutes but picked up nine fouls. Sophomore teammate Zach LaVine had a game-high 24 points, and looks poised to be one of the breakout performers of the tournament.