Load management has become a common phrase in the NBA today. The phrase is usually used for star players like Kawhi Leonard of the L.A. Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James to sit out of games during the regular season to keep them fresh for the playoffs.
Former Lakers forward Metta World Peace recently spoke with ClutchPoints about the controversial topic and shared his thoughts on the topic.
“I've only been hurt once in my career,” World Peace said. “My leg has only been hurt once in my career. Load management? I don't know. If you're hurt, chill out. If you're not, play. It's simple. They just put terminology on it now…It's just a new word.”
This tactic to rest stars players throughout the regular season when they're capable of playing has been quite controversial. For example, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes the load management tactic is “the best thing to ever happen to the league.” Then you have NBA icon and Charlotte Hornets owner, Michael Jordan, who has a different perspective as he thinks players are paid to play all 82 regular-season games and should play all of them if they are physically able.
It'll be interesting to see how load management evolves in the years to come. The new tactic or “new word” for something that has been done in the past as the former Lakers star claims will continue to be controversial with plenty of criticism and many teams and players embracing it. Still, one thing seems for sure, it's not going away anytime soon.
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