Julius Randle's NBA career just hit a significant roadblock.
The Lakers rookie suffered what TNT reported was a broken right leg — a fractured tibia — in his pro debut Tuesday night. Coach Bryan Scott and the Lakers confirmed the report after the game, and Randle was transported to a hospital to determine whether surgery will be needed.
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Randle was injured in the fourth quarter of LA's 108-90 loss to the Rockets. The first-round pick from Kentucky was wheeled off the Staples Center floor, his lower body wrapped in towels, after receiving attention from medical personnel.
The 19-year-old Randle was injured when he collided with two Houston players under the Lakers' basket. He was in obvious pain as the Lakers' medical staff tended to him, eventually immobilizing his leg while Kobe Bryant gripped his hand in support.
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Randle was the SEC's Freshman of the Year while helping the Wildcats to the NCAA championship game last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
