LeBron James Makes His Feelings on Playing Center Clear

LeBron James has made it clear he has no plans to become the Philadelphia 76ers’ permanent starting center, despite being forced into the role amid the team’s growing injury concerns.

With Joel Embiid sidelined due to right foot plantar fasciitis management, James started at center for just the 15th time in his 24-year NBA career during Philadelphia’s 106-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

The 41-year-old finished with 18 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds, but insisted the Sixers already have their long-term answer at the position.

“Well, s— we got an MVP over there. I’m not here to have a sustainable role at the 5,” James said, according to ESPN. “You got Joel Embiid on the team. … If I was to say I was signed here to have a sustainable role at the 5, I don’t think none of us would actually want that. I can do it, but… we have [Embiid].”

It marked James’ first start at center since the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, when he made 14 appearances in the role.

Philadelphia’s frontcourt situation has become increasingly difficult, with Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow and Tacko Fall also unavailable through injury.

“We’ve only got about three guys left that can possibly play the 5,” head coach Nick Nurse said before the game.

Adem Bona was the Sixers’ only available traditional center, recording six points and 13 rebounds in a season-high 25 minutes.

James was full of praise for the young big man’s performance.

“I thought he was amazing tonight: his energy, his effort,” James said. “For us, who weren’t rebounding well, he came in and gave us that spark on the rebounding offensively and defensively. So, I think his energy and his effort are going to be great for our team throughout the whole season.”

Philadelphia has now been outrebounded in every game this season, including by 22 against Milwaukee and 17 against Detroit.

For Tyrese Maxey, the solution to the Sixers’ rebounding struggles couldn’t be much simpler.

“Some of our tall guys come back. That would be great,” Maxey said.