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Los Angeles Lakers: Building the ideal rotation with LeBron James

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Center:

Yes, we think LeBron James should be playing six minutes at center, bringing his game total up to 36 minutes. Before we dive into that, let’s get into the rest of the talent that will be playing at center.

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You probably also noticed that we included Brook Lopez as the starting center. Although Lopez is currently still a free agent, the chances of him rejoining the Lakers is high as the team has no real starting center and no cap space to work with. What the Lakers do have though is Bird Rights on Lopez.

Behind Lopez is an inexperienced rookie and a veteran option to eat minutes. As the season goes along, we may see Wagner start to pick up some of McGee’s minutes, especially down the stretch.

Wagner is naturally a power forward but his seven-foot frame will allow him to play center. What makes him so polarizing, especially down the stretch of games alongside LeBron, is his ability to shoot the three.

McGee is probably the best rebounder and natural center on the team but will not see a huge role offensively. While he will be good to bring in for minutes, do not expect McGee to light the world on fire.

Finally, we have the six minutes for LeBron James at center that we think we will see down the stretch of the game as well as the end of the first half. The Lakers, in close games, are going to run their best five at the end of the contest, which naturally forces LeBron to play center.

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Alongside him, in this best-case lineup, is Lonzo Ball/Rajon Rondo (whoever is performing better), Josh Hart/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (same thing), Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma.

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