Kawhi Leonard’s load management during the 2018-19 regular season and his subsequent performance throughout the 2019 playoffs culminating in a championship and Finals MVP award has put the spotlight on the practice of resting star players during season. And for years now, observers have been wondering when the 34-year old James, who turns 35 in December, will follow the lead of aging stars before him like Tim Duncan by mixing in some rest during the season.
However, James has consistently been of the opinion that he will always play when healthy. And perhaps knowing his star’s feelings on the practice, Lakers coach Frank Vogel isn’t guaranteeing anything in the way of load management before the season starts.
To me it’s more of a case-to-case basis. I understand why they had that approach with Kawhi and the benefits they received from it. It doesn’t mean Player X on a lottery team should be sitting out (when healthy), or Player X on a top team should be sitting out, a healthy guy, a random game in December. You have to follow the recommendation of your medical team. That’s what it comes down to. And what they decide, you roll with that.
Although some smart basketball people may wonder why Vogel doesn’t want to commit to resting LeBron at times, it’s smart of Vogel not to box himself in a corner. Also, the Lakers may not have the same luxury the Raptors had when it comes to sitting Kawhi. Around him, they had a perennial Eastern Conference playoff team, whereas the Lakers haven’t made the postseason since 2013.
