Frank Vogel Shots Down LeBron James Point Guard Rumors

The free agency is almost over, and NBA fans are already speculating about the starting lineups. LeBron James, Danny Green and Anthony Davis will start in LA. Kyle Kuzma may also end up in the starting lineup, but the fifth spot is still empty. This will depend on LeBron’s role on the floor.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that LeBron will probably be starting point guard, but Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said ‘no.’

Vogel appeared on ESPN when the Lakers were getting ready to confront the New York Knicks during the Las Vegas Summer League, and addressed the rumors.

“Everybody’s sort of pieced together our starting lineup. There is no decisions made on our starting lineup,” Vogel said. “No imminent plan to start LeBron at the point guard spot. A lot of different lineups and combinations have been discussed, but it’s really way too early for any of that.”

“The new-look Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2019-20 season with the intention of starting LeBron James at point guard, league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Haynes wrote.

“James, 34, will be entering his 17th NBA season and is prepared to become the floor general in an effort to maximize a roster that’s suddenly built to contend for a championship with the addition of All-Star forward Anthony Davis and a few complementary pieces.

“James was limited to a career-low 55 games in his first season with the Lakers because of a groin injury, but he has since recovered and is in great shape with no restrictions, sources said. A superstar with an immense skill set, the 6-foot-8 James has started at the point sparingly throughout his career. But it’s a role he’s more than comfortable handling because he’s operated primarily as a point-forward for the bulk of his career.”

ESPN’s Marc J. Spears responded to Haynes’ theory on Tuesday’s episode of The Jump 

“I just worry for him as far as energy-wise. How quickly tired would he get? You’re gonna have to go to Rondo or Quinn [Cook] really fast. Sounds good until you have to do it, and they gotta load management him as well. In spurts, yes. Maybe fourth quarter, yes. To start the game? I don’t know if that’s the best idea.”