The subject of load management has been a captivating discussion point within the NBA for numerous years. It revolves around the tendency of multiple teams to give their players rest during the grueling and extended season. This practice sometimes conflicts with the NBA’s objective of maximizing attendance and viewership. Recently, the NBA introduced a fresh policy aimed at reducing the frequency of star players missing games. However, this new set of rules contains numerous exceptions, and LeBron James is just one of several players poised to take advantage of these exceptions.

The recently introduced policy includes provisions for players with extensive experience in the league. Players aged 35 or older, or those who have logged either a minimum of 34,000 minutes or 1,000 regular season and playoff games, are eligible to seek advance approval from the league for load management. This approval won’t exempt them entirely from the rules, but it will allow them to sit out one game of a back-to-back, provided the team provides a week’s notice along with a valid explanation.