On December 29, the Lakers beat the Rockets 132-123, and James played center in this game, playing 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a triple-double, creating a number of records in one fell swoop. Acting coach Fitzdale explained after the game that the reason for James to play center is because James is very efficient in the No. 5 position. James said he had never played as a center before entering the NBA.
James scored 30+ for the 13th time this season, tied for first place in the league with Durant, Curry and Trae Young. James' career scoring surpassed the 36,000-point mark, becoming the youngest Mr. 36,000 in history (36 years and 364 days). James also became the first player in history to have at least 36,000 points, 9,000 rebounds and 9,000 assists.
James has scored a combined 172 points in the last five games, equaling the record set by Jordan (nearly 38 years old) in January 2001 for a player over the age of 36 who scored five games. James has scored 30+ triple-doubles five times since the age of 35, ranking first in history.
James has created miracles in a row, and he has also maintained a hot state, having cut 30+ in 5 consecutive games. In this game, Fitzdale put James in the center position, and after the game he explained: "LeBron's plus-minus when he played the No. 5 position was very exaggerated, tonight against the Rockets, this is a good time for him to play center. Fitzdale also said the team would continue to use Howard and DeAndre Jordan. James played the starting center in this game because of his deployment of the Rockets.
For his first appearance as a starting center, James said his slender stature prevented him from playing as a center as a child. 'I've never played center before, I've always played in the wing or as a point guard. James said.
However, James also stressed that he can play any type of game, he has been in the NBA for 19 years, whether he can play in the big lineup, but also can play in the small lineup. "My style of play is not a single one." James said.