Reaching Year 24 in the NBA would usually mean someone has exhausted most statistical achievements. LeBron James, for instance, has notched many feats most would never think to attempt. His longevity speaks for itself, and his insane outputs make his legacy stand out. However, he has not yet achieved one feat. He finally achieved it during the Philadelphia 76ers‘ regular-season clash against the Detroit Pistons.
What could that career first feat be?
76ers’ James gets surprising career first start at center vs. Pistons
It’s easy to envision LeBron James playing nearly every position in basketball. He started as a two-guard primarily focused on scoring for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Miami Heat then had him play power forward. His second return to Ohio gave him the chance to start at point guard, with Kyrie Irving serving as a supplement at shooting guard. Later, James’ playmaking shone with the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a deadly pick-and-roll with Anthony Davis. Now, he has only one position he hasn’t started in his NBA career.
Coach Nick Nurse and the 76ers are loaded at every position. They have Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, who thrive at guard. Jaylen Brown can play the three-spot. So, where does this leave James? He was slated to start at center for the first time in his 24-year career.
The 76ers starting lineup goes as follows. Maxey will start at point guard, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will start at shooting guard. Brown is slated to play small forward, and Dean Wade will take the four spot. James will then have to play center.
Sixers starters tonight: PG: Tyrese Maxey SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope SF: Jaylen Brown PF: Dean Wade C: LeBron James LeBron at Center. 😳 https://t.co/GogRmKPXNk
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 25, 2026
The skills needed to start at center in the NBA are difficult to master. James will need to set solid screens, move off the ball seamlessly, and crash the boards when necessary.
James seems to be struggling through the first half against the Pistons. Coach Nurse has entrusted him to play 15 minutes of action so far. He has five points on 16.7% from the field, 25% from the free-throw line, and 0% from three-point range. The Pistons have also forced him to commit three turnovers.
There are some bright spots, like James’ three assists, but they don’t make up for the inefficiencies in the other parts of his game. Coach Nurse saw this and immediately tried to fix the problem by slotting Adem Bona back into the five spot.
The consequence of this all? The 76ers are trailing on the boards, 31-19. In nearly two quarters of action, they only got three offensive rebounds, too.
A lot of things go well in a career first. But maybe there’s a reason the Heat, Cavaliers, and Lakers couldn’t sustain this decision to play James at the five.
