LeBron James Starts at Center in 76ers' 106-93 Loss to Pistons

LeBron James started at center for the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in a 106-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Xfinity Mobile Arena, according to CBS Sports. It was Philadelphia's first defeat of the season.

Why James Started at Center

The lineup change followed a run of frontcourt injuries. Joel Embiid was out for right foot and plantar fasciitis management, and VJ Edgecombe missed the game with an abdominal contusion, according to Yahoo Sports. Tacko Fall (left quad), Jabari Walker (knee) and Dominick Barlow (back) were also out, per EssentiallySports.

Coach Nick Nurse started James alongside Maxey, Caldwell-Pope, Brown and Wade, per Yahoo Sports. Nurse also said only about three players on the roster could realistically play center, according to Yahoo.

James was back after missing the Oct. 24 game against Milwaukee for low back and sciatica management, according to the NBA injury report.

The Stat Line

James finished with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds in 33 minutes, per Covers. Yardbarker adds that he shot 8-for-15 and had two steals. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 29 points, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia, which noted Adem Bona played well as the only true center available.

Detroit won the rebounding battle 54-37, according to Covers. EssentiallySports reports James had a game-worst plus-minus of -22, a figure no other outlet in our research carries.

Where It Fits in His Career

This is James's 24th NBA season and his first with the 76ers. Most outlets, including Yahoo, call it his first start at center since 2021-22. One report counts it as the 15th center start of his career. A Sixers Wire piece on Yahoo called it his first ever, which conflicts with the other accounts.

James has said he is not in Philadelphia for a permanent center role, as Yahoo Sports reported. Sources frame the start as a temporary answer to injuries.

What Came Next

Philadelphia beat Detroit on Nov. 4, which ESPN reports avenged the team's only loss of the season and moved it to 8-1. Liberty Ballers reports James became the first NBA player to reach 16,000 career field goals that night.

Bona was injured against Detroit on Nov. 4. Heavy reports Nurse could ask James for more center minutes if Bona cannot play. That is a report, not a confirmed plan.