LeBron James, Lakers Working On 'New Style': Report
Contrary to speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers are not worried about LeBron James.
Since Anthony Davis got sidelined due to a knee injury last month, James has been playing the role of the Lakers’ big man, clocking in 37 minutes per game to date. Given James’ age, some are concerned about his health.
However, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel remains unfazed and is even devising a new game plan involving the four-time MVP, Silver Screen and Roll’s Jacob Rude reported. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.
Despite James’ more exhausting role, Vogel believes “fatigue has not been a factor” for James, and the pair has been “in constant talk” over a “new style” this season, the report said.
Davis is reportedly inching closer to his badly-needed Lakers return. He was spotted shooting around with the team hours before the Sunday match against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ahead of Davis’ comeback, Vogel revealed that the Lakers will be going small-ball with Davis and James playing as centers.
According to Vogel, Davis will be the primary center for most of the remainder of the season. Should the All-Star power forward get hurt again, James will be ready to step up and return to his current role as a “point center.”
“I think you’re going to see Anthony playing a lot at the 5 [center position], and when Anthony is out (of the game), we have the lineups we’ve been playing right now with LeBron basically playing point center,” Vogel divulged.
“It is the direction I think we’re going to land with this group towards the second half of the season, and one we’re seeing obvious benefits from right now that we feel like are going to be even more enhanced when Anthony comes back,” the coach explained.
As a center, James has surprisingly found remarkable success, having racked up more than 30 points in every one of his last four games. In the process, “King James” managed to have his name mentioned in MVP talks once again.
“I think when you are placed in the MVP conversation, that means that your team is winning games and you’re playing at a level that’s helping them win games,” James stressed. “So, if my name starts to be in the MVP conversation then I’m happy about it in a sense, (because) that means the Lakers are winning basketball games and that’s what I want. That’s all I care about.”
“I know what I bring to the table every night. I know what I’m capable of doing every night,” he continued. “But I want that to result in wins and that’s just always been my mindset in this league.”
LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
