• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / NBA / A Case For LeBron James To Play Center Every Game

A Case For LeBron James To Play Center Every Game

January 17, 2022
By Brandon Marcus
@JumpBallBrandon
Leave a Comment
Follow Brandon Marcus on Google News Follow Us

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on December 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images )

 

It’s wild to think that the Los Angeles Lakers have not completely figured out how to use LeBron James.

He’s one of the best players of all time and certainly one of the best playing right now but LA has been moving him around the court and changing his responsibilities again and again.

However, the latest change might be the best one yet.

James has played center a few times now and it’s worked out quite well for the team.

Trevor Ariza gets the start at the 4(?) over Stanley Johnson tonight for Lakers-Kings. LeBron James will start at “center”, once again. pic.twitter.com/6ZFna9pbEH

— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) January 13, 2022

In fact, there are many Lakers fans who say that the 6-foot-9 James should be center for the rest of the season – even after Anthony Davis returns from his latest injury.

That is the right move: putting James down low in the paint with AD could be a recipe for success.

 

Power In The Paint

The Lakers need to do something – anything – to salvage their season and make it far into the postseason.

Right now the team is 21-22 and the eighth team in the Western Conference.

This is a franchise that currently has James, Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard on its roster.

In other words, they shouldn’t be this bad.

Something is wrong and it needs to be righted and part of that is the team’s defense.

On average, LA allows 113.3 points per game which ranks 27th in the NBA.

They’re practically giving away points and it’s not all because of crappy defensive plays from Westbrook.

Davis is the best defender on the team but he’s hurt often and gets little-to-no help when he is playing.

James would give him that help in a big, big way.

Already he has shown that he is very capable of stopping some dangerous shots again and again.

Since AD went down, #LeBronJames has become a full time center, giving him more rim protection and backline duties.

To celebrate his successes, I’ve put together a little montage of all his blocks since then.

Hope you enjoy watching Bron ‘Old Man’ block the league.#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/vAJsZGlakh

— NBAStatGuy (@NBAStatGuy_) January 14, 2022

It’s true that James isn’t as big as other centers in the league so there would be certain games where he would be totally outmatched.

That’s when Davis would come in, playing as a big power forward who is able to physically overpower and block and intimidate opponents.

James would be more of a strategic center behind Davis’ size, deflecting certain shots, grabbing rebounds and making plays, and deciding the tempo of his team.

In many ways, James can play point guard and center at the same time.

If he were to play down low with Davis for most of the game, you would have the two best players on the Lakers roster in the spots that are lacking the most.

When you put it that way, James as center just makes perfect sense, especially with Davis by his side.

 

Back Away From The Backcourt

The truth is that the Lakers have a bunch of guards.

In fact, they probably have too many.

James should leave the backcourt to these players and shift his focus to protecting the rim and playing in the paint.

This move will require that the Lakers guards get better – a lot better.

Right now, James is the best shooter on the team and if he really is to move to center full time, that can’t be the case.

This is a problem the Lakers have needed to address for some time now so James’ pivot to center should act as an opportunity to finally fix the team’s multiple backcourt woes.

The Lakers need to move James to the center full time – it’s their best and maybe last hope at saving this season.

    Get ALL the latest NBA news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire NBA newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Los Angeles Lakers Rumors And News (Updated Daily), NBA Tagged With: Los Angeles Lakers

About Brandon Marcus

Brandon has been enjoying NBA basketball since before he knew his ABCs. A product of too many comic books and cartoons, he finds a lot of passion in many things including reading, film, music, and enjoying too many cups of coffee.

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More Los Angeles Lakers News

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

All Eyes Are On LeBron James’ Upcoming Milestone

7 hours ago

Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts before taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

NBA World Remembers Kobe Bryant

8 hours ago

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Anthony Davis Had A Powerful Return For The Lakers

11 hours ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Gregg Popovich Describes What LeBron James Is Like On The Court

14 hours ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Latest Lakers Addition Is Preparing For His Debut

1 day ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

LeBron James Crosses Another Unreal Feat Off His List

2 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the New York Knicks in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

NBA Insider Reveals Potential Rui Hachimura Lakers Debut

2 days ago

Bronny James #0 of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers during the Hoophall West tournament against the Perry Pumas at Footprint Center on December 11, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bronny James Tops List Of Most Valuable Young Athletes

2 days ago

Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka, smiles as he speaks to the press during Los Angeles Laker media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California.

Rob Pelinka Sends Clear Message After Rui Hachimura Trade

2 days ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

LeBron James Made NBA History On Tuesday Night

2 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Graphic Shows Rui Hachimura Ready To Help The Lakers

2 days ago

Magic Johnson speaks during When We All Vote Inaugural Culture Of Democracy Summit on June 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Magic Johnson Comments On The Rui Hachimura Trade

2 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on in the second half against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Lakers Share Hype Video For Their Newest Addition

2 days ago

Paul George keeps the ball from Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 114-101 Clippers win at Crypto.com Arena on November 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

A Major NBA Rivalry Will Meet Tuesday Night

2 days ago

Head coach Darvin Ham (L) and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99.

The Lakers Have 2 Familiar Trade Targets On The Market

3 days ago

Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers watch warm-ups before Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.

NBA World Reacts To Monday's Lakers Trade

3 days ago

General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

NBA Insider Reveals Long-Awaited Lakers Trade

3 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on in the second half against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

The Lakers Are In Talks For Wizards Star

3 days ago

Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers mimics Damian Lillard's "Dame Time" signature gesture during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

Patrick Beverley Trolled Damian Lillard In A Must-See Way

3 days ago

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits as he dribbles the ball during a 122-121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on January 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Major Lakers Trade Rumor Has Returned

4 days ago

Dennis Schroder #17 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a basket during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

The Lakers Had A Sunday Night Thriller Filled With History

4 days ago

Thomas Bryant #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99.

Lakers Big Man Had A Career Night On Sunday

4 days ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

LeBron James Has Not Slowed Down Since His Birthday

4 days ago

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a slam dunk against Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the game at Crypto.com Arena on November 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Russell Westbrook Is Turning Back The Clock

6 days ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

A Case For LeBron James To Play Center Every Game

1000 characters remaining