LeBron James is still one of the most dominant and physically imposing players in the NBA, and that is why it is so hard to believe that the four-time NBA MVP will turn 35 later this month. He has undoubtedly changed his routine quite a bit since he first entered the league, but LeBron has no plans to sit out games just to keep himself fresh.
Following Sunday’s 101-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron was asked about the concept of “load management” and whether or not it is an approach he would consider. He listed multiple reasons why he is not interested.
LeBron doesn’t believe in load management
“I don’t know how many games i got left in my career. I don’t know how many kids that may show up to a game that are there to come see me play” pic.twitter.com/ASDwC9vuFB
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 16, 2019
“Unless we’re getting late into the season and we’ve clinched and can’t get any better or any worse, but why wouldn’t I play if I’m healthy?” James asked. “It doesn’t make any sense to me, personally.”
LeBron has made similar remarks about load management in the past, and he isn’t the only NBA legend who doesn’t believe in it. Kawhi Leonard made the practice more popular after he sat out games with the Toronto Raptors last year and went on to dominate the postseason, and there have been questions about whether he is actually resting an injury or just resting. If it’s the latter, LeBron obviously disagrees with it.
It’s hard to argue with the results Leonard has enjoyed, which is why the Los Angeles Clippers are taking the same approach with him that the Raptors did. However, the concept is one that is foreign to LeBron and arguably the greatest player to ever live. Many fans admire that, and you can see why.
