preface
LeBron James, known as the greatest player in NBA history besides Jordan, the god of basketball, although many fans do not like him and do not recognize his status, but it is undeniable that he is indeed the greatest player since the new century. With 4 championships, 4 FMVP, 4 MVP and perennial top of the major data charts, there is no doubt that his career is great, in addition to his achievements, James's personal ability is also one of the reasons for his greatness. Fans have always had the impression of James's position on the court as a small forward, but so far in his career, James has played all positions from the first position to the fifth position, a veritable all-round player, although he has played five positions, but which position is the best choice for James?
Number one
In 2018, James announced that he joined the Lakers, which was a big event that shocked the fans, after joining the Lakers, the Lakers planned to let James play the first position in the new season, many fans did not understand the Lakers' decision, because the Lakers did not lack defenders at that time, so let's take a look at the Lakers' guard line configuration at that time. Rondo, a traditional Number One who didn't shoot but was well organized, Caruso's potential guard, but the strength has not yet been explored, Cook, who was Curry's second backup in the Warriors, the strength is obvious to all. Although these players have their own characteristics, their overall strength is not good, and they are not enough to face the strong number one position of other teams. And James happens to have all their strengths, so it's appropriate to let James play the number one. In addition, the Lakers at that time had Kuzma, he was the lakers' key training object, when James played the first position, Kuzma could play a good position in the third position.
And let James play the first position is good, one can extend James's career, at that time James is 35 years old, although James was crowned the title of Iron Man, but also can not stand the impact of age growth, the Lakers and James signed a four-year contract, want to play James's maximum value to properly alleviate James's consumption, let him no. 1 position is undoubtedly the best choice. Second, playing the number one position can better play James's driving ability, James's passing, organizational ability is obvious to everyone, he can feed Davis and Cousins well on the court, and James played the number one position when he first entered the league.
Bit 3
There is no doubt that James is the greatest small forward in NBA history, and James has redefined the position of small forward. Traditional small forwards have only one task on the field, that is, to score, and they often play the role of the core of the team's attack, so the love of small forwards by fans in history is very high. But James took care of all three aspects of the offensive and defensive organization on the court. Offensively, no matter which team and position, James is undoubtedly the first offensive choice, defensively, 5 defensive firsts is the best proof of his defensive ability, and in terms of organization, James is called "organizational" forward. So in terms of ability, James is definitely the first small forward in history.
Number four
Big forwards and small forwards need more defensive responsibilities than small forwards, they have tall bodies and tough physical qualities, and their duties on the court are more like assistants to the center. Therefore, in the earlier period of our country, the big forward was once called "two centers". James's height of two meters and six meters and 113 kilograms of weight can fully support him to compete with other strong big forwards, and James has a very agile judgment on the court, and his skills are better than traditional big forwards, so it is not difficult for James to play a big forward on the court.
Number five
Time came this season, and the Lakers had James play the No. 5 position this season that he had never played before. In today's era of small ball prevalence, the way of playing positional warfare around traditional big centers is outdated, so James's role as center is more likely to be forced by the times, and another reason is that Lakers center Davis is injured and cannot play, which can only make James in danger. James as a center has indeed played some good results, the Lakers' rhythm on the court has become faster, the speed of movement and the speed of changing defenses have been significantly improved, and it can achieve a good "running and bombing" style of play. The most obvious example is that in the game against the Nets, through the blocking and dismantling of teammates, the opponent has no way to play.
But overall, James' playing as a center does more harm than good. First of all, when James plays the center, the Lakers' defense on the court will be very difficult, in the face of the Nets such as the inner line is not strong, James can cope, but in the face of such a strong team as the Bucks, the Sun and the Nuggets, James needs to fight with big centers like Jokic, Gobert, which is a huge consumption for James, although James's physical fitness is good and he also said that he can eat, but he is 37 years old after all, the years are not spared, ah, Older people will have some difficulty in playing against young players, and they are likely to be overwhelmed for a long time. Second, letting James play center is completely violent, playing center means that James has to reduce the ball, then his passing, organization and scoring advantage will be weakened. However, for the Lakers, who are now short of major generals on the inside, letting James play as a center may be the best choice.
summary
The discussion about how many positions is the best choice for James, in fact, the most adapted to the times is the best choice. Every team is constantly researching the best way to play for their team, which often requires players to play in a position that is not their own. Fortunately, the Lakers have an all-round player like James, so the Lakers will have so many lineups to play.