With Anthony Davis out, Vogel made some changes to the Lakers lineup. The Lakers sacrificed a small-ball lineup, with the 37-year-old James serving as the starting center and successfully leading the team to a wave of four consecutive wins. The Lakers have been successful in the small-ball lineup, James has been very accommodating in the center position, and fans really enjoy watching him play against the NBA big man.
In addition to the fans, the media also praised James, who changed to the center position. Shannon Sharpe believes that James is currently the third center in the league, behind Jokic and Embiid.
"He (James) is the league's number three center right now, and after Jokic and Embiid, he's him."
When his partner Skip was about to question, Sharpe said, "He's better than Gobert!" He's better than Gobert! ”
This season, James' competitive form has been outstanding. So far this season, James is shooting 62.4 percent from a 2-point range, a career-high (previously a career high of 62.2 percent from the 13-14 season). Shooting 78.5 percent from the free throw line was also a career high (previously at 78 percent from the 08-09 season). In addition, his three-point shooting percentage is 37.2%, the 3rd highest in his career.
So far this season, James has averaged 28.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. In addition, James will deliver 1.1 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. James' all-around performance is not at all inferior to indian centers such as Jokic and Embiid.
James played strong, which may be the only way for the Lakers to succeed this season.