“Yeah. I plan on playing every game.” LeBron James made an ambitious claim at the start of the season, aiming to stay available for his team every night. However, he was unable to keep his word after 23 appearances as he sat out back-to-back games due to a foot injury. As expected, the week-long hiatus rejuvenated King James and he returned in much better form. And seeing the benefits of appropriate rest has led him to change his stance about load management despite Kevin Garnett’s recent criticism.
via Imago
Addressing his recent absence from action, LBJ said in today’s presser, “I’m just not a guy that likes to sit games if I’m somewhat healthy. It’s never been my thing. But no, I see what you’re saying, if there’s an opportunity where it can benefit my body and benefit my play long term for the better of the team, then I’m always open to having that conversation.” Well, James looked far more athletic and energized in his latest appearance, thanks to the week-long rest. Moreover, it helped him lead his team to victory against the Grizzlies.
So, don’t be surprised if you see LeBron sitting out more games in the future, prioritising the long-term goal. Unfortunately, this philosophy gives weight to what Kevin Garnett said in a recent interview. Pointing to LeBron and Joel Embiid as examples, the Celtics legend criticized the league’s load management issue, “It used to mean something when you played through an injury… You never had your best player on the team say, ‘I’m not playing back-to-back.” Obviously referring to Embiid’s early season claim about never playing back-to-back games again.
KG continued, “It don’t go like that to go to the room where you sit amongst the greats and you in the middle of all the gods. Them gods didn’t get here by doing that (load management). That ain’t the way we made this… This thing of ours wasn’t built like that.” Of course, Garnett was widely known as one of the toughest players in the league during his heyday. But LeBron’s change in stance should not be frowned upon, considering what he is doing at age 39.
LeBron James’ 2-Game Break was a Calculated Move
As it turns out, LeBron did not just miss two games out of nowhere. It was in fact a calculated move, “I mean the schedule presented it…. I looked at the schedule and between now and All-Star, there’s not many opportunities. I think we play every other day in January or some s— like that.” Yes, the four-time champ would not have gotten a better opportunity to take time off because he only missed two games but got to rest for a week, thanks to the NBA Cup festivities. And as James pointed out, the Lakers’ schedule for the next two months or so is jam packed.
via Imago
So, this was the perfect time for him to rest and recover from his lingering injuries. Although KG’s criticism might be justified for some superstars who spend more time on the bench than on the court, LeBron should be exempted from such cases. That’s because he is already doing what no 39-year-old NBA player has ever done before. At an age where most players are years into their retirement or mere bench warmers, James is still The Man on his team, averaging 22.8 points and over nine assists. Moreover, he hardly takes time off even at this age as he played 71 games last season. So, James should be the last guy to be criticized for load management because he always leaves his all on the court and stays available whenever his team needs him. Do you agree?
