Los Angeles Lakers: How a budding LA Clippers feud can save NBA season

LeBron James chided “Load Management” over a week ago. Then he gets hurt. Karma?

LeBron James, outside of Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, is the most media-savvy athlete in history. He is the only NBA player that can send a strong message without saying a word. How many NBA players have their own production company?

He didn’t need his company to make his point about load management. It came straight from his mouth. Here’s his take via USA Today.

"“Why wouldn’t I play if I’m healthy? It doesn’t make any sense to me,” James told reporters following the Lakers’ win in Atlanta. “My obligation is to play for my teammates. If I’m healthy, then I’m going to play. If coach sits me out, then I’m not healthy. It’s just that simple.”"

Well when LeBron speaks, everybody listens. It didn’t take long for his statement to get to Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers. Well, listen to his take on the situation.

To be clear, LeBron’s history does factor in the tone of Doc Rivers. LeBron used the practice throughout his career when it never had a name. It was just a rest.

But that’s not the point here. It’s about using it as a promotional tool for the rest of the NBA season. Everyone knows that LeBron and Kawhi can flex on their perspective franchises to get the proper body management needed to be successful.

That’s just good common sense. Something Gary Payton made very clear for Yahoo Sports!.

Notice the passion of Payton here. That’s what the NBA needs from the fans. But again, it’s fuel to the fire that can bring the NBA back from the listlessness of the fanbase.

Speaking of how the Clippers got Kawhi Leonard in the first place, let’s delve into some bad feelings that carried over from free agency.