On December 29, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season is in full swing. In today's Battle of The Western Focus, the Lakers beat the Rockets 132-123, ending the season's longest 5-game losing streak and turning the record into 17-18.
It is worth mentioning that in today's game, the Lakers put James in the center position. James also lived up to expectations throughout the game, with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Meanwhile, the Lakers only sent an 8-man rotation lineup today, in addition to James, Westbrook, Munch, Johnson and Bradley and other 5 starters, the remaining 3 who got the opportunity to play were Anthony, Tucker and Collison.
That said, the Lakers' two full-time centers, Howard and Jordan Jr., didn't get even a minute of playing time today. After the game, Lakers interim coach Fitzdale gave an explanation, he said: "There are a lot of very good centers in the NBA, and it is a waste to play in a small lineup without them all the time, so the team wants to continue to use Jordan Jr. and Howard Jr. ”
But then Fitzdale said: "James's plus-minus when playing center is very exaggerated, and tonight against the Rockets is a good time for him to play center." ”
So far this season, Howard has played 27 times, averaging 15 minutes per game, and can get 4.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, and shoot 61.3%!
Jordan Jr. played 27 times, averaged 13.2 minutes per game, and was able to finish with 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.9 blocks, shooting 67.5% from the field. It is worth mentioning that Howard's average plus-minus is -0.1 per game, and Jordan Jr.'s is -3.6.