Randle has endured adversity, but he’s also had help to face challenges better. The 6-foot-9, 250-pounder credits his leadership for the Timberwolves to the late Kobe Bryant.

Julius Randle, who has grown closer to Edwards since his arrival earlier this season, compared his confidence level to that of his former teammate, the legendary "Black Mamba" himself, Kobe Bryant.

Randle was selected No. 7 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014 and played with Bryant for two seasons before his retirement in 2016. "I've been through a lot, I had a great mentor in Kobe." ...

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant, left, enjoys a moment with teammate Julius Randle during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on March 22, 2016. (Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press) ...

"I have been around a lot of great players. He is as confident in his belief in himself as … it's Kobe-like. And I was around Kobe," Timberwolves forward Julius Randle told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Kobe Bryant debut Lakers jersey sells for $7 million A jersey photo-matched to seven games in Kobe Bryant’s 1996-97 rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers — including his preseason debut on ...

Lakers forward Kobe Bryant, left, enjoys a moment with teammate Julius Randle during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on March 22, 2016. ( (Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press ...