Lakers Rumors: LA Unhappy with Doc Rivers' Comment on LeBron Load Management

The Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly unhappy with Doc Rivers' assessment of the team's load management practices in December when he said the Lakers' philosophy is "whatever LeBron says."

That had followed James telling reporters: "Why wouldn't I play if I'm healthy? It doesn't make any sense to me. My obligation is to play for my teammates. If I'm healthy, then I'm going to play. If coach sits me out, then I'm not healthy. It's just that simple." 

According to Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Rivers' retort rubbed the Lakers the wrong way: 

"The irony was not lost on the Lakers, who sources say weren't happy with the comment, in part, because of the perceived hypocrisy when it came to the Clippers' style with Leonard. In a way, this entire LA landscape is laughable, akin to one franchise telling the other, 'No, you cater to your MVP candidates more...'"

Load management—or injury management, as the Clippers refer to their plan with Leonard—has been a hot topic this season, in part because the Clippers have taken a very conservative approach to the number of games Leonard plays. He's now appeared in 34 of the team's 45 games, skipping back-to-backs as the team attempts to keep him healthy for the postseason. 

It isn't all that different from the approach the Toronto Raptors took with Leonard last year, when he played in just 60 games overall. Or how other teams have approached superstars with a history of injury concerns, like the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid. 

But it is different from James' approach to workload. The Lakers' superstar has played in 42 of his team's 44 games this year, a trend throughout his career, as he's only missed 10 or more games in a season three times. 

Add it to the perceived culture clash between the organizations, even if both are ultimately conceding to the wishes of their superstar players. The Lakers fancy themselves the organization of superstars, the team that attracts movie stars to courtside and the top free agents who want a taste of their prestige and spectacle. 

The Clippers, on the other hand, are building the reputation of being a smart, businesslike outfit, working the margins for a competitive advantage with a pair of stars in Leonard and Paul George who eschew the bright lights in favor of grit and effort. 

It is the battle for the basketball soul of Los Angeles, even if the Lakers—given their past successes—hold the clear advantage in that regard to this point. The City of Angels could just as aptly be described as the City of Lakers. The Clippers, behind Leonard and George, are trying to convert a new generation of basketball fans to their side. 

Whether it works remains to be seen. But it doesn't come as a major surprise that the two organizations would find a way to be on opposite ends of a divisive topic like load management.