Move Papa James to Point Guard

[Anderson Hunt]

I have no reason to believe that what I'm about to share WILL happen, but it should, so that's why I'm sharing it.

This is no different than rabid fans calling for Darvin Ham to play a certain lineup -- it probably won't happen, but it'd make sense if it did.

LeBron James needs to be the designated point guard again.

This is not a foreign concept, many would say he already is the designated point guard, that he pretty much plays point guard at his whim anyway. This is true. But I'm asking for something different.

I'm asking that he completely accepts his role as THE point guard like he did in the bubble-run, that he lead the league in assists again, that he willfully embrace his role as a facilitator, setting-up and empowering Anthony Davis on nearly every possession.

I'm asking that he change his game a bit. At this stage of his career, on this team, he'd be of greater benefit as a passer than he'd be as a scorer.

The main argument against him becoming the designated point guard again is that it would require more energy to facilitate the offense on every play, and although that has some truth to it, I believe it's overstated. I'm asking him to change his game, so even though I want him to become the designated point guard and expend a little more energy on that, I also don't want him to look to score as much or feel he needs to be the guy who always takes the shot as the shot clock is dwindling, so there is an energy trade-off here. Sure, bringing the ball up the court every possession can be taxing (I suppose), but I'd argue that averaging 25 a game is much more taxing than bringing a ball up and running an offense. LeBron James, ideally, would average closer to 16 points a game than he would 26 points a game like he did last year.

He needs to change his game. He needs to be the designated point guard again.

On offense he'd play point, but on defense he'd guard power forwards, small forwards, or centers.

For continuity, I'd sign Kyle Anderson, a guy who is a a tremendously oversized point guard. By signing Anderson as James's backup, every lineup will have a large 6'9 point guard on offense who plays defense against PFs. Signing a quality, oversized point guard like Anderson also enables the coaching staff to play James less minutes, conserving his energy.

The last time he was the clear-cut point guard of the team, they won a ring. He's not a go-to scorer anymore. He's not the guy you give the ball to and get out of the way anymore.

Him playing point guard not only clearly defines his role, it helps define every one else's as well, and we all know that defined roles is the key to having a great team.

[stan francisco]

Yes, I’d much rather see LBJ focusing on passing than scoring in his twilight years. I like the idea of it but I’d want his playmaking duties to happen from the post in a PF position, and to be shared with Reaves who should probe in a Manu Ginobili way from the SG position. Our starting PG, be it Gabe or JHS or Dinwiddie, can bring it up and hand it over to LBJ or Reaves or AD. All three can playmake.

[Anderson Hunt]

Yes, I’d much rather see LBJ focusing on passing than scoring in his twilight years. I like the idea of it but I’d want his playmaking duties to happen from the post in a PF position, and to be shared with Reaves who should probe in a Manu Ginobili way from the SG position. Our starting PG, be it Gabe or JHS or Dinwiddie, can bring it up and hand it over to LBJ or Reaves or AD. All three can playmake.

I don't disagree.

That bubble-run team lacked another prober/penetrating scorer which is why they signed Dion Waiters then traded for Schroeder after they won the rings, so yes, there can be multiple ball-handlers, but James and Anderson should be the primary facilitators when either one is in the game, and another scorer (Reaves or one they acquire) should be the secondary facilitators.