Fansided

LeBron James on the NBA’s resting trend: “Certain guys need rest”

By Brad Washington

Mar 6, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court as Miami Heat forward Okaro White (15) defends during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Heat won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court as Miami Heat forward Okaro White (15) defends during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Heat won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

LeBron James has spoken on the importance of teams resting their key players.

LeBron James is a poster child for many things in the NBA. His all-around play has made him the standard for a do-everything-star. His endurance and longevity and the envy of nearly every aging vet. And, lately, James has been riding the DNP wave, in which DNP stands for “Did not play.” This season, more and more teams are electing on resting their star players to keep them fresh mentally and physically.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, whom James plays for, rested James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love this past Saturday night as they played (and lost) to the Los Angeles Clippers. Fans across the league have not been pleased with the tactic, believing they are being cheated out of their viewing pleasure. James recently spoke with ESPN.com on why fans should understand why teams are electing to sit players out.

"“I don’t think the NBA can do anything about it,” James said following the Cavs’ 125-120 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. “At the end of the day, it sucks at times where certain guys have to rest, but certain guys need rest."

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Spurs on top? Kawhi not

James also said a coaches job is to “compete for a championship” and not to “compete for a game.” While more close to NBA jargon, the prospect of players being healthy for the postseason has become priority No.1. James is 32-years old but has six DNP’s to his name this season. Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue knows the uphill climb it takes to win an NBA title. So if he wants his players primed for the playoffs, giving them extra days off won’t hurt. While the fans won’t like the business decisions, they probably won’t complain if it pays off in the end.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers