The forward Julius Randle has endured his share of obstacles before regaining his starting spot with the team. The 23-year-old found himself behind Larry Nance Jr. and even rookie Kyle Kuzma to start the season, only seeing limited minutes of action after being the starter for the past two seasons.

Perseverance paid off for the Dallas native, as his stick-to-it-ness granted him the chance to start again over time, now reaping the benefits of a healthy load of playing time and scoring in double figures in the last 11 games.

Randle believes this starting position has enhanced his best assets as a player, getting the most out of his skill set on the floor with ample minutes (30.3 minutes per game through February).

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“It was just me going out there doing what I was supposed to do. Being aggressive, physical, talking on defense,” said Randle, according to Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints. “Everything that I am capable of doing, just trying to do that every night on a consistent basis.”

The fourth-year forward is making the most of his playing time, averaging 19 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his last four games — all resulting to wins for the Lakers, who have now won 12 of their last 16 games.

With Larry Nance Jr. out of the way due to the trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Randle should see more consistent time at the power forward slot and set himself up for a solid free agency, thanks to averages of 14.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game through the 2017-18 season.