Play.
The ridiculous jam was thrown down by the King.
As the Lakers beat the Astros, King James threw down a dunk. (0:17)
1:21 AM
For the first time in his 19-year career, and the first time in his life, the Los Angeles Lakers' King James started at center, and he led the team to a 132-123 victory over the Houston Rockets. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the L.A. team that came into the season with title talk.
"I was a skinny, svelte kid growing up but I was never one of the biggest guys or in the center position," said James, who took the opening tip on Tuesday against Houston's 6-foot-9 center, Christian Wood. I've always played the wing or handled the ball.
The Lakers had been experimenting with James at the 5 this season, but had yet to go to it full time.
With Anthony Davis out for another month because of a knee injury, the Lakers decided to give it a try, as well as with DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard still getting their act together after a stint in the health and safety protocols.
"LeBron's plus-minus at the 5 is so ridiculous right now," Fizdale said after the game. I took a gamble and said I think that tonight is the night to start him at 5.
James had never started at center in 1,332 regular-season starts, but L.A.'s desperation and the positionless trend of the league created the opportunity.
I've taken pride in being able to play five positions over the course of my career. At least know all five positions. James said he knew the commands. I was called to start at center and I tried to be in as many plays as possible.
He had a triple-double of 32 points, 11 rebound and 11 assists. He became the first player in league history to score 30 points or more in five straight games when he did it in the last game.
James beat out Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and Elgin Baylor who all hit the scoring feat four games in a row when they were in their 30s.
James said he feels like he's in a good offensive zone.
The team held a rare on-court practice Monday to help with the lineup swap. Fizdale was able to test out James in the middle.
"Just to practice, get on the floor, that's what it was good for," said Russell, who finished with a triple-double with 24 points, 12 rebound and 10 assists. We haven't been able to do that in a long time. You've seen how we played in spurts throughout the game.
The 19-year veteran, who came into the NBA at the same time as James, played the 5 against the Houston at times when James sat.
It's the evolution of the game. Anthony said that you have fives playing on the perimeter now. "You have to adapt and you have to adjust, and you have to stay sharp, because if you don't, you'll get left behind."
Fizdale did not commit to it being a constant strategy going forward, even though he said he gave him his blessing to try out James at the 5. There are still big men on opposing teams who can contend with Howard and Jordan and that's what they are there for.
His instinct worked for one night. James can now say that he played the same position as the other Laker greats, such as Abdul-Jabbar and O' Neal.
I told the team. Fizdale said that he didn't think you guys realized what the guy did. He played the 5 for four quarters and dominated at the position and played point guard while playing forward. This guy is amazing.
I can't help it. We all are very lucky that we can watch what this man is doing and it's beautiful.
