Lakers' Frank Vogel still unsure how much LeBron James will play at center

The Lakers are still contemplating how often to use LeBron James at center this season, Harrison Faigen of SB Nation’s Silver Screen and Roll writes. Los Angeles has seen success with James at the 5, albeit in a short sample size, which could be an interesting development.

“It’s something we talk about,” head coach Frank Vogel said. “It’s something we consider. But you have to measure what that does for his workload… and whether that’s something that we just want to use in small doses when needed, or if it’s going to become part of us on a regular basis.”

James has played positions 1 through 4 at different points of his career. Having the ability to also play the 5 is unprecedented, but it’s something he may need to do when Anthony Davis sits this season. By losing to the Kings on Friday, the Lakers dropped to seventh in the Western Conference (10-11).

Here are some other notes from the Pacific:

• Kings forward Harrison Barnes and center Richaun Holmes both missed Saturday’s game, but interim coach Alvin Gentry is confident the duo won’t be sidelined for long, per James Ham of ESPN 1320. Barnes is day-to-day with a sprained right foot, while Holmes is dealing with a non-COVID-related illness.
• Warriors star Klay Thompson had a vulnerable moment after the team’s victory over Portland on Friday, Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic writes. Thompson was seen sitting on the bench once the game ended for 35 minutes, clearly wanting to be part of the team’s success. He last played in an NBA game during the 2019 Finals, but he appears to be moving closer toward a return. He suffered torn ACL in 2019 and torn Achilles in 2020 during a pickup game.
• Suns forward Mikal Bridges is making an early case for Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Sidery of BasketballNews.com opines. Bridges has provided a serious defensive boost for Phoenix, who ranks second in the Western Conference at 16-3. The team has also won 15 straight games.