USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) defend in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) defend in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off an overtime win against the Indiana Pacers. Coming off a one game suspension, LeBron James had the best scoring night for this season. However, it is clear that the purple and gold is still figuring things out. Notably, their rotations through the game. Now, Frank Vogel has a surprising position he wants to see the ”King’ play.
At the beginning of the season, the Lakers reportedly planned on having Anthony Davis play at center. But what was unclear was their starting lineup. This is still a problem as the Lakers have used up the most starting lineups this season. Another issue they have is that LeBron is attracting injuries at a regular level and has only been able to play nine games so far.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
But, it seems Frank Vogel wants to see LeBron James play at another position as opposed to his original small forward spot.
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LeBron James as a big man
The Los Angeles Lakers have ample of centers in their roster. Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan have all played that position so far. However, it seems that coach Frank Vogel plans on putting LeBron James at that position more. But with the injuries that the ‘King’ has picked up, they want to be more careful about his workload so far.
Frank Vogel says playing LeBron at center more is something they’re considering but they also want to be ‘mindful’ of his workload throughout the season.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) November 26, 2021
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It does come as a surprise to see Vogel want LeBron to play center. Despite having Davis who is one of the best bigs in the league, Vogel wants to experiment with the Akron Hammer. Now, for LeBron, that sure is possible given the way he is built.
LeBron James has a huge body frame standing at 6’8″ and weighing in around 240 pounds. His frame allows him to guard any position from one through five. But, playing center will limit the time he has the ball by a good amount. And given he is one of the best passers in the league, that decision may not suit the Lakers.
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Currently, the purple and gold need to figure out a stable rotation without trying many things for themselves. A winning formula needs to be devised and they will need LeBron James to be leader of that. Having the all and making the decisions are something him and Russell Westbrook can do. Hence, playing James at center may sabotage their overall game plan itself. What do you think of this move? Let us know in the comments below.
