The big debate of the early NBA season is load management, as the league debates why so many of its star players are choosing to sit out games during the regular seasons.
Players are banged up and being more careful to protect their bodies. The league is fine with that, in theory, but it’s hard to justify to people paying for expensive tickets, and for national TV audiences, why they can’t see their favorite players play on some nights.
The Lakers’ LeBron James has often spoken out about players having the right to do what’s best for their bodies, and is someone who has taken time off during the regular season to rest and recharge for a playoff push.
In a candid interview with Yahoo Sports this week, James also spoke out about what he sees as an issue for players’ health: The fact that they’re entering the league already banged up.
He points to a toxic culture in AAU youth basketball which puts players through outrageous schedules and is taxing on young bodies. He cites his perspective watching his two sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce, go through the process now, and has seen what they are being demanded to do.
“These kids are going into the league already banged up, and I think parents and coaches need to know [that] … well, AAU coaches don’t give a f—,” James told Yahoo Sports. “AAU coaches couldn’t give a damn about a kid and what his body is going through.”
He went on:
“I think [AAU] has something to do with it, for sure,” James told Yahoo Sports. “It was a few tournaments where my kids — Bronny and Bryce — had five games in one day and that’s just f—ing out of control. That’s just too much.
James went on to speak about how there isn’t being enough done to protect these athletes from fatigue, and how they aren’t being taught how to eat right, either. Read the entire article over at Yahoo Sports.
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