LeBron James has played in every position there is and has defined position-less basketball during his time in the league. James had never played the 5 before though, something he can now add to his resume after the Lakers beat the Rockets on Tuesday.
With Anthony Davis, DeAndre Jordan, and Dwight Howard all unable to play in Houston, coach Frank Vogel opted to go small-ball and play LeBron at center.
Starting at center didn’t dull LeBron’s impact on the game at all though. In fact, he recorded a triple-double in what was a dominant display. He scored 32 points in the win to go along with 11 assists and 11 rebounds.
This was done on highly efficient shooting as well, LeBron went 11/19 from the field. This 57% field-goal rate was matched by his 60% shooting from 3-point range, which allowed the Lakers to space the floor.
Another metric that’s important for centers is blocks and James recorded 2 blocks in the game, another testament to his presence in the paint. Quick hands also resulted in 1 steal for the King, capping off an impressive showing.
The way Bron stretched the floor allowed Russell Westbrook to play his best game as well. The point guard got himself a triple-double as the Lakers took out the Rockets with a final score of 132-123.
This was the 36-year-old’s 5th straight game putting up 30 points, something no other player has managed at his age. James continues to defy all logic as he tries his best to carry the Lakers into the playoffs on his back.
The Lakers moved to a 17-18 record with this win and are currently the 7th seed. They are now just half a game behind their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, in 6th. If James continues his current form, the 4th seed is within reach for his team.
It seems unlikely that we’ll see LeBron playing center again anytime soon after Jordan and Howard return. However, it’ll be an option for Vogel in his rotations and a nightmare for the opposition coaches that have to prepare for it.
