During the 2017 NBA preseason, there was a battle for the starting power forward position for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, head coach Luke Walton believed Larry Nance Jr. was a better fit alongside Brook Lopez and Brandon Ingram over Julius Randle and Kyle Kuzma.
With the 2017-18 NBA season in progress, Randle is adjusting to a new role after starting 133 out of 156 games the three previous seasons. After a strong performance against the Washington Wizards, Walton says Randle has been ‘a little pissy with me' according to Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints:
Luke Walton on Julius Randle: “I think this year he’s a little pissy with me.” Admits it may be working for him this season #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 26, 2017
For Randle, it is a major adjustment coming off the bench after getting in the best shape of his young career and heading for restricted free agency. While the fourth-year forward is competitive and wants to start, wanting to finish games may be his new approach after finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in 19 minutes.
For Walton and the Lakers, they have a good problem on their hands. With three players capable of playing the power forward position with different skillsets, Walton will be able to change his lineups based on matchups.
To begin the new season, the Lakers are 2-2 as they prepare for the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 27.
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