5 Things we learned from LeBron James' first Lakers game

#2 But he will have to play extended minutes as a center

Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Lakers

The increased rebounding we talked about will result partly from James lining up at center in the Lakers' small ball lineups. LeBron has taken on this role before as well, famously during his Heat years, but also occasionally for the Cavaliers during his second stint in Cleveland.

The Lakers will be looking to play off him as a point center in lineups which won't contain a typical point guard like Lonzo or Rondo. Other playmakers like Lance Stephenson, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart will have the chance to run the ball up the floor and hand over the reins to LeBron in some of those possessions.

The Lakers' experiment with him at the 5 position began late in the first quarter and barely lasted a couple of minutes. It's an idea that's obviously still in the works as Luke Walton strives to find his best lineups in preseason, but all signs from the game point to LeBron taking on this role for good.