It appeared like a normal exercise as Lakers rookie forward Julius Randle performed a leg press during Wednesday’s practice. But it marked one of many progressions he has made since suffering a season-ending injury to his right leg in the season opener just less than two months ago.

Randle has since walked without any crutches in the past week.

“I’m not supposed to be off crutches,” said Randle, who has recently exercised on a weight-bearing treadmill. “The doctor said to go at your own pace. My pace was to get rid of them immediately.”

That hardly matches what the Lakers envisioned when they drafted Randle seventh overall out of Kentucky. That hardly matches what Randle envisioned when he showed potential during exhibition play as a versatile forward.

“You miss the competitive atmosphere,” said Randle, while the Lakers (8-17) prepared for Friday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-13) at Staples Center. “It’s a brotherhood out there and its tough to sit back and watch. But I’m learning a lot throughout all this.”

The lessons have gone beyond staying disciplined with dieting and studying the Lakers’ playbook. It also extends watching other stretch forwards, such as Charles Barkley, Antonio McDyess, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki.

Randle has learned that significant members of his draft class have also suffered serious injuries.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker, who was selected second overall, suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. Other injuries have affected third pick Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), fourth pick Aaron Gordon (Orlando), sixth pick Marcus Smart (Boston), ninth pick Noah Vonleh (Charlotte), and 11th pick Doug McDermott (Chicago).

“Injuries are a part of the game,” Randle said. “You lay your body out there and sacrifice your body and it happens sometimes.”

With his injury granting him some free time, Randle visited his alma mater Saturday to watch the Wildcats’ win over North Carolina. There, Randle offered advice to players, such as to “stay in the moment” and that playing in the NBA “comes with a lot of responsibility.” Randle reported that Kentucky coach John Calipari stressed to him not to treat his season-long absence as “a vacation.” Randle also confirmed he fielded questions about Kobe Bryant’s profanity-laced tirade in a recent practice.

“They were like, ‘Does Kobe really spaz out?’” Randle said, laughing. “He’s just a competitive guy and expects the best out of us.”

What did Randle think?

“It was funny,” Randle said. “I can’t say it was nothing I didn’t expect. There’s a reason why he is who he is.”

Practice update

Bryant participated in what Lakers coach Byron Scott called a “light practice” on Wednesday. Bryant plans to play in the heavier practice on Thursday.

Lakers forward Jordan Hill sat out with an upper respiratory infection, but Scott said the ailment is not serious.