Amid a season that started off with fluctuating roles and frustration, Lakers forward Julius Randle could end the 2015-16 campaign writing a relatively happier ending.

Nothing will change the missed playoff fortunes surrounding the Lakers, which lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 119-113, on Friday at Staples Center to cement a 11-45 record. But coach Byron Scott plans to keep Randle as the starter for the rest of the 2015-16 season after he lost the spot 20 games into the season.

“With the way he’s played,” Scott said. “He’s played so well.”

So well that Randle posted 11 points and 15 rebounds in what marked his 22nd double-double, which leads his sophomore class. Hence, Scott boasted, “you can write in the book it’s a double-double when he steps on the floor.” Randle’s increased role coincided with Larry Nance Jr. either sitting out or playing limited minutes because of a sore right knee. Nance returned Friday against San Antonio, posting six points and four rebounds albeit in a bench role that will likely last.

“Playing time in this league is very valuable,” Randle said. “You have to cherish it. To be a starter in this league is something I take very seriously and I’m going to cherish it. I’m going to go out there and give it my all every night.”

So far, that approach has worked.

Randle entered Friday’s contest against San Antonio at Staples Center averaging 12.8 points and 11.8 rebounds since starting the past 13 games. Randle also has progressed with his shooting in December (39.3 percent), January (40.7) and February (46.2).

“I’m real happy with where he is with his shot,” Scott said. “But I know he can continue to get better with it.”

Both Scott and Lakers shooting development coach Tracy Murray want Randle to improve on catch-and-shoot opportunities. But Randle’s progression starkly contrasted toward the Lakers’ original big-picture outlook on his development.

“We weren’t going to mess with it during the season,” Scott said of Randle’s shooting stroke. “He wanted to work on it and tried to put it in play right now.”

Scott highlighted Randle’s improved pace and mechanics. But with Murray comparing Randle’s shot to Memphis forward Zach Randolph, Murray downplayed Randle’s mechanics and highlighted his change of pace.

“When he was coming off fast, he was shooting up straight so the ball came out like a cannon,” said Murray, whose 11-year NBA career included a season with the Lakers (2002-03). “When he slows it down and is on balance, he’s able to get the ball up over the air and into the rim.”

Randle has typically taken between 100-140 shots per day before and after practice in several spots on the floor. Murray said Randle plans to take about 800-1,000 shots per day in the offseason.

“No matter what, I take the shot that’s given to you,” Randle said. “Basically slowing down and seeing the shot before it’s there. When you get it, don’t be afraid to take it.”

TRASH TALK

The anxiety swept Spurs coach Gregg Popovich all night as he schemed on how to stop Kobe Bryant. But as Popovich witnessed through two decades, that preparation became wasted time.

“No matter what you did defensively, he could still rise up over you and get off a relatively uncontested shot with balance,” Popovich said. “That would scare you because there really was no defense for it.”

Popovich experienced that first-hand in a playful moment during last week’s NBA All-Star weekend. During warmups, Popovich defended Bryant as he drove to the basket.

“The guy got competitive and he elbowed me so he could get by me because I’m so quick and I was staying in front of him,” Popovich joked. “He’s a slow old dog and I’m quick. The only way to get around me was to cheat. He raised that elbow and cracked me.”

Bryant offered a hearty laugh when a reporter relayed Popovich’s words.

“I can handle his quickness just fine,” Bryant said. “I just felt like throwing an elbow at him.”

Moments later, Bryant turned serious.

“It’s been a beautiful relationship,” Bryant said. “It’s been like that for a long long time. I’ve been very thankful for the knowledge that he shared with me over the years, especially in All-Star games you get a chance to sit down and talk. I’ve always been a student of the game. I’ve always sat down next to him and asked him questions. He’s been amazing about giving thorough responses to me and helping me learn and progress. Now at this stage of my career, I think it’s important to do the same thing with these young players and helping them and mentoring them as much as I can.”