With LeBron James at center, the Cleveland Cavaliers could create an unstoppable lineup

The Cleveland Cavaliers, with LeBron James at center, could find success in a small, quick death lineup just like the Golden State Warriors did.

Up until this potential blockbuster trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers have had a relatively quiet and underwhelming offseason. Even with the Kyrie Irving trade, LeBron James and the Cavaliers will still have to alter their play in order to beat the Golden State Warriors in what we expect will be their fourth straight Finals’ matchup this upcoming season.

That change in the Cavaliers play could be shifting LeBron James to center. While Kevin Love is a great rebounder, having a more dynamic wing on the court could free up more space for LeBron James to operate. The Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed Kyle Kover this offseason, so his presence for the entire season should help LeBron and the Cavaliers’ spacing. In the trade with Boston, Jae Crowder, another excellent wing shooter and defender, could also add value and strength to a lineup with James at center.

The Cavaliers lineup that has significant data and most represents LeBron in the center position is the James-Shumpert-Jefferson-Frye-Irving lineup. This lineup played a total of 64 minutes together, the eighth most of any five-man combination for the Cavaliers. While on a small sample size, this lineup did manage to excel in those minutes. They were extraordinarily poor defensively though, having a horrendous 123.9 defensive rating. On the other hand, this lineup was one of the best offensive lineups for the Cavaliers. With a 67.6% true shooting percentage and a 139.4 offensive rating, this lineup was an offensive juggernaut.

LeBron James used to play over 90% of his time at small forward. Those days are past him. The 32-year-old superstar still plays the majority of his minutes at small forward but has also logged minutes at power forward and center. His 6-foot-8, 250-pound frame, elite athleticism and incredible strength would allow him to deal with bigger players like Andre Drummond, who has three inches and 30 pounds on him, rather effectively.

LeBron James, even dating back to his days in Miami, has excelled with shooters around him. Now, with an array of elite shooters, why not line the floor with these weapons and let LeBron James work. On the offensive side of the floor, LeBron, who averaged the most assists of any non-point guard, was the main weapon for the Cavaliers and had most of the offensive run through him.

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That said, making LeBron as comfortable as possible on the offensive end might be the way to win in the NBA. A lineup with LeBron at center will give up points, but they will almost always outscore the other team.