Matt Barnes is maximizing his opportunity to start at small forward for the Lakers. Barnes has been a key part of their new defensive focus and also bring intensity that has buoyed the Lakers through lapses.

Barnes had 15 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in their win over Memphis on Sunday, which followed a strong outing on Friday against the Warriors.

"He's my small forward for the foreseeable future," Mike Brown said. "He earned it and he's held onto it and he's played the right way for us at that position."

"There's no comfort. I thought I was starting at the beginning of the year," Barnes said. "I'm going to continue to go out there and play hard and do anything I can to help the team win."

"He's playing to his strengths and he's great on the glass. Very active," Kobe Bryant said of Barnes. "He's good at getting us easy opportunities and second opportunities."