Julius Randle is once again a man on a mission during this training camp, reportedly playing with an edge in light of the battle for the Los Angeles Lakers' starting power forward spot on the line.

Head coach Luke Walton noted his effort during camp has shown, given the challenge ahead of him with only eight days until the start of their regular season.

“He seems to be (ticked) off,” Walton said, according to ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward. “But he’s using it to play with an edge. And he’s been great in practice the past two or three days. I thought he had a phenomenal game in Vegas. Competition’s supposed to bring the best out of you. He’s really stepping his game up with that happening.”

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The Lakers have lost four of their first five preseason games, nabbing a win in an ugly war against the Sacramento Kings, with Randle leading the way with a game-high 17 points off the bench.

“With who is going to start at the four, that debate will go on,” said Walton. “We probably won't have a final answer until at least the last preseason game.”

Los Angeles is slated to play its sixth and last preseason game on the road against the L.A. Clippers on Friday, giving Walton one last chance to make that decision prior to facing the Clippers again in a home season-opener next Thursday.