Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Lakers Consider Unthinkable: LeBron James as Sixth Man
Imagine your favorite basketball player, LeBron James, is getting older, like your grandpa getting tired after playing outside.
Some basketball experts think it might be a good idea for him to not start the games anymore.
Instead, he could come in after the game has already started.
This way, he could use his amazing smarts and skills to help the team when other players are a bit tired.
It could also help him save his energy for the really important parts of the game, like in the playoffs.
Plus, it would give the younger players on the team a chance to play more and learn from him.
This is a strange idea, but the Lakers might try it to help them win more games this season.
JJ Redick suggests LeBron James could experiment with coming off the bench for the Lakers.
This strategy aims to maximize team potential by staggering lineups and utilizing James's experience against second units.
The move could also help manage James's energy as he approaches age 41 and improve team defense.
Younger players like Jake LaRavia and Bronny James could benefit from mentorship.
If successful, James could even be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
- Who
- Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, JJ Redick
- What
- Experimenting with LeBron James potentially coming off the bench as a Sixth Man
- When
- During the current NBA season, facing early season challenges
- Where
- Los Angeles
- Why
- To maximize team potential, manage James's energy as he nears 41, improve defense, and provide mentorship to younger players.
Arguments for LeBron James as Sixth Man
Arguments against LeBron James as Sixth Man
Maximizing Team Potential
Arguments for LeBron James as Sixth Man
Staggering lineups with James coming off the bench could allow him to dominate second-unit players, exploit mismatches, and save his energy for crucial playoff games.
Arguments against LeBron James as Sixth Man
LeBron James has historically been a starter and his presence in the starting lineup is crucial for the team's overall dynamic and leadership.
Team Defense and Player Development
Arguments for LeBron James as Sixth Man
Having James lead the second unit could improve overall team defense and provide valuable mentoring opportunities for younger players like Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.
Arguments against LeBron James as Sixth Man
Shifting a star player like James to the bench might disrupt team chemistry and negatively impact the morale of both James and other players.
Player Age and Role Adjustment
Arguments for LeBron James as Sixth Man
As James approaches 41, coming off the bench could manage his workload and maximize his impact in pivotal moments, especially with rising stars like Austin Reaves.
Arguments against LeBron James as Sixth Man
LeBron James's skill set and experience are best utilized from the start of games to set the tone and establish offensive flow, rather than coming in as a reserve.
- Player Age
- Approaching 41
- Proposed New Role
- Sixth Man / Off the Bench
- Key Teammates Mentioned
- Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James, Rui Hachimura
- Potential Benefit
- Maximizing team potential, improving defense, player development, managing energy
- Potential Award
- Sixth Man of the Year