LeBron James is about to be asked to wear a lot of hats in Philadelphia, and one of them could be a center’s role.
After eight seasons with the Lakers, James signed with the 76ers this summer and landed in a lineup that already features Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid.
At 41, he’s not stepping into the usual LeBron setup as the primary engine. Instead, the Sixers appear ready to lean on his versatility in a much different way.
That possibility came straight from head coach Nick Nurse, who said James could be part of the team’s small-ball look in the frontcourt.
“Dean would be another candidate, if you can call him a small five. I think LeBron is another candidate; he’s played some small-ball five as well,” said Nurse. “We’ll probably go with that crew unless something else emerges.”
For most of his career, James has been the classic point forward - the guy who brings the ball up, controls the pace, and organizes the offense like a floor general. He also logged plenty of time at point guard with the Lakers. Center, though, is a different kind of ask, especially this late in his career.
The reason for the shift is simple enough. Ariel Hukporti’s Achilles injury has left the Sixers thin at center, and they do not have a dependable backup big behind Embiid. That opens the door for James to fill in during certain matchups, even if he is not a traditional interior player.
Nurse said he has already seen James leaning into the work this summer.
“I think that we saw a little bit of it in the summer,” said Nurse on James. “He’s a very early guy, so he’s in here very early, and he’s got his set, straight to the weight room when he gets in, and then he’s into his skill work and all that kind of stuff.
So, listen, I think he’s obviously in great condition. Played a long time.
He knows what he’s doing with that stuff. And I mean, to me it’s always great to see.
I’m an early person too. Fired up to get up and start my day and get working, and I like that.
I think that’ll transcend to some players.”
James backed up that reputation for a long time last season, when he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. His role in Philadelphia won’t require the same kind of scoring load, but it will ask him to handle more in other areas.
There is some obvious risk in using a 41-year-old at center, especially when it comes to durability. Still, the Sixers seem convinced James can adjust again. He has spent his career doing exactly that, and Nurse is betting he can give Philadelphia answers in the frontcourt when needed.
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