The NBA implemented a new rule on Wednesday.
The league appears to be clamping down on load management, passing a new rule that will punish teams for resting star players in nationally televised games or for resting multiple star players during the same game, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Failure to do this results in a $100,000 fine.
“As the league negotiates a new media rights deal, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has been determined to increase player participation, and the league’s goal is to strengthen the initial player resting policies that were adopted in the 2017-18 season and new rules that mandate players participate in 65 regular-season games to be eligible for postseason awards.”
However, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not be subjected to the new rule, meaning he can miss back-to-back games.
Why? Because James is 38-year-old with tons of regular season and postseason minutes already under his belt.
“The NBA will allow pre-approved designated back-to-back allowances for players who are 35 years old on opening night or have career workloads of 34,000 regular-season minutes or 1,000 regular-season and playoff games combined, sources said,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote.
James is entering his 21st season in the NBA.
