When LeBron James was asked about the challenges of playing centerless basketball, his answer was equal parts insight, leadership, and quiet confidence — all trademarks of a player who’s seen every evolution of the game over his two-decade career. At 40 years old, with more miles on his body than anyone in NBA history, LeBron finds himself at the center (literally) of a new stylistic shift: playing without a traditional big man anchoring the paint.
“It’s not easy,” he admitted. “You give up size, you give up some rim protection. But you gain versatility, speed, and unpredictability. You just have to be locked in. Everybody has to rebound, everybody has to talk, and everybody has to defend like their life depends on it.”
In the modern NBA, the “centerless” lineup has become more common — especially among teams trying to maximize floor spacing and switch-heavy defense. With LeBron at the five, the Lakers can push the pace, stretch opposing defenses, and lean into their playmakers. Offensively, it often works wonders. With shooters in the corners and LeBron operating in space, the floor opens up in a way traditional lineups rarely allow. His passing lanes widen. His ability to drive becomes even more lethal.
But defensively, the burden is real — especially for LeBron, who’s not only the team’s offensive engine, but now often finds himself battling seven-footers in the post or contesting shots at the rim. It’s a lot to ask of any player, let alone someone in Year 21.
“I’m not a 7-footer, but I’m strong, I’m smart, and I’ve been around,” LeBron said with a smirk. “I know how to position myself. I know tendencies. But it’s a team thing. We all gotta crash the glass, we all gotta protect the paint. That’s the price of playing small — everyone has to be big in the right moments.”
In these moments, LeBron’s value goes beyond his stats. His communication, leadership, and sheer presence allow a small-ball lineup to function. Teammates like Anthony Davis — when healthy — help absorb some of the defensive pressure. But when LeBron is the lone “big” on the floor, it’s his basketball IQ that keeps things stable.
Still, he knows it’s not sustainable for every game or every matchup.
“You don’t play centerless for 48 minutes,” he said. “It’s a wrinkle, not an identity. It works in spurts. But we gotta be flexible — that’s what wins in this league.”
That flexibility has defined LeBron’s entire career. From Miami’s pace-and-space attack to Cleveland’s iso-heavy offense, to the title-winning Lakers of 2020, he’s adapted time and time again. Playing center is just the latest challenge, and, as always, he’s rising to meet it.
“Whatever the team needs, I’ll do it,” he said. “At this point in my career, it’s about giving everything I’ve got — wherever I’m lined up on the court.”
