LeBron James made headlines with a bold statement after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets. The Lakers superstar addressed what he believes to be a growing trend among NBA players — intentionally resting in games before facing the Lakers.
LeBron James: “Kyrie ain’t playing tomorrow, right? He’s out tomorrow or today”
Reporter: “He’s not playing whatever the next game is.”
LeBron James: “After us or before us?
Reporter: “I’m not sure.”
LeBron James: “No, no, no. I’m saying he’s out today or tomorrow’s game?”
Reporter: “I don’t know.”
LeBron James: “Tomorrow’s game. They do play tomorrow cause’ it’s a back-to-back, so Kyrie be ready and the rest of the guys be ready. It’ll be a good one. It’ll be a good game.”
Bron knows about the players resting up for the Lakers gimmick lmao
pic.twitter.com/pFDip2xuJU
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) January 6, 2025
During a post-game press conference, LeBron didn’t hold back when discussing Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving’s recent absence in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. His pointed comments suggested that Irving’s decision to rest might have been strategic, aimed at preserving energy for a high-stakes showdown with the Lakers.
James’ observations highlight a larger trend that many around the league have noticed. Teams often prioritize certain matchups, choosing to rest key players in less significant games. For opponents of the Lakers, facing a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis often carries additional weight, both competitively and in terms of media exposure. This dynamic has led to instances where stars skip preceding games to ensure they are at full strength against Los Angeles.
The practice isn’t entirely new. Load management has been a hot topic for years, with players like Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid frequently taking games off to manage injuries and avoid overexertion. However, LeBron’s comments suggest a more targeted approach, with players specifically resting to gain an edge against the Lakers.
This narrative gained traction earlier this year when Jamal Murray returned to action just in time for the Denver Nuggets matchup against the Lakers. Similarly, Michael Porter Jr. and Bradley Beal were sidelined before rejoining their teams for games against Los Angeles. The perception is that players deliberately miss games leading up to Lakers matchups, aiming to be in peak condition for what is often a high-profile event.
Given the Lakers’ status as the league’s most famous franchise, the spotlight on their games is intense. Players seem keenly aware of this, recognizing the opportunity to perform at their best on one of basketball’s biggest stages. Although that narrative might hold for others, it doesn’t apply to Kyrie Irving. According to the Mavericks—and as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania—Irving has a bulging disc in his back and is expected to miss one to two weeks.
The Lakers, sitting at 20-15 and fighting to solidify their playoff position, find themselves in a precarious situation as they sit fifth after a tough loss to the Rockets, in which the referees missed a major call on LeBron.
In the dying seconds of the game, with the Lakers down three and possession of the ball, LeBron James tried to call a timeout to reset the play. But, the referees missed his attempt, leading to a turnover and sealing the Rockets’ victory.
After the game, LeBron addressed the incident in his post-game press conference. While LeBron maintained his composure, his frustration was evident. The Lakers were mounting an impressive comeback after being down by as much as 22 points in the first half, only to see their efforts undone by poor execution and questionable officiating.
The Lakers’ inability to control the glass was glaring, even with strong performances from Anthony Davis and James. Davis led the team with 30 points and 13 rebounds, while LeBron posted a near-triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. Despite their individual efforts, the team as a whole struggled to match the Rockets’ physicality.
As the Lakers prepare for their next matchup against the Mavericks, the stakes are high. Kyrie Irving’s potential return to the lineup adds another layer of intrigue to a game that could have significant playoff implications. For LeBron, it’s just another chapter in a storied career where he continues to inspire respect — and strategic planning — from his opponents.
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