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Lakers' McGee believes NBA is trying to phase out center position

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Modern NBA basketball has veered further and further away from the paint in favor of a faster pace with plenty of outside shooting.

Consequently, the value of traditional big men who live around the basket has plummeted. That's frustrating for Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee, as he believes the league is slowly trying to eliminate his position altogether.

"It's extremely hard because it seems like they don't want us here," McGee said following Wednesday's practice, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "They're trying to get us out of here. The prime example is them taking us off the All-Star ballot. They literally took the whole position off the All-Star ballot. So just think about that."

During the 2012-13 campaign, the ballot was altered to feature three frontcourt spots instead of two forwards and a center.

"We don't even have a choice." added the 7-footer. "We have to go against guards and we're not going to score 40 (to get the same All-Star consideration). It's just, we work hard though so we have to adjust our game the way everybody else does, so now we don't stay back (by the rim) as much, we're up (on the perimeter) more, we know how to switch.

"So, it's just the evolution I guess."

Related: Lakers testing Kyle Kuzma at center

McGee is entering his 11th season and first in Los Angeles after capturing his second championship in 2017-18 as a member of the Golden State Warriors. He attributes his longevity to being versatile and willing to adapt.

"Before, it was easier just because everybody was doing the stay-back-and-block-the-shot-at-the rim (defense)," McGee said. "So I was just, 'Cool, I'll just use my athleticism.'

"It's a lot more mindful now. I definitely have to focus more and think more on what exactly I'm doing rather than just use my athleticism."

McGee averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 9.5 minutes coming off the bench during his second year in the bay area.

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