DeAndre Jordan finally got to play, but is making impact regardless of minutes

With LeBron excelling as a center, the Lakers are expected to try to move Jordan and Kent Bazemore (left) for additional roster space.

Heading into Friday’s 134-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, James averaged 34.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. James is shooting 55%, including 40% from 3-point range.

James has clearly been rejuvenated after missing time with injuries and a one-game suspension for his run-in with Pistons center Isaiah Stewart. At center, he is able to be a free safety on defense and protect the paint.

That is more effective for James at this stage of his career than chasing around athletic wings at small forward. He can also stretch the floor, and few centers can compete with his quickness and athleticism.

Therefore, Vogel again reiterated recently that the two primary centers from here on will be AD, upon his return, and LeBron.

The Lakers are committed to small ball, with 6-foot-3 Malik Monk inserted into the lineup at small forward (and on an offensive tear, averaging over 20 points in his last 7 games), Carmelo Anthony playing minutes at the 5 and Trevor Ariza backing up at power forward.

Couple that with the addition of defensive stalwart Stanley Johnson, who will likely eventually be signed for the rest of the season, Jordan’s spot on the bench has been cemented.

Jordan has only gotten minutes in recent times due to injuries and protocols, and has not really stood out in any game. Despite being among the healthiest Lakers, Jordan has 12 DNP-CDs (did not play-coach’s decision) this season, including seven straight after the Hawks game.

However, Jordan may have made a case for himself to be used, at least situationally. His DNP streak snapped when the Lakers were getting shellacked by the young, brash and talented Memphis Grizzlies, down by 29 points at one point.

In what seemed to be garbage time, he was inserted into the game. With a lineup of veterans DJ, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore and Wayne Ellington and rookie Austin Reaves, the Lakers roared back on a 21-0 run and made it a seven-point game with 1:19 to go.

The Grizzlies ultimately won 127-119, but Ja Morant and the starters were forced to re-enter the game. Jordan played eight minutes, and had three rebounds, one block and was a plus-19.