Los Angeles Lakers story lines no one is talking about

2. LeBron James’ workload isn’t getting any lighter

If Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers haven’t yet taken over as the city’s most popular team, they have at least secured their place as the center of attention when it comes to the polarizing issue of “load management” in the NBA.

Leonard has already sat out five of the Clippers’ first 14 games as the team does its best to keep him active, but also preserve his health for the playoffs.

Prior to Leonard, for most fans and media, the face of the load management movement was LeBron James. Although he didn’t sit out many games, whenever he did it have a day off, it was (as usual) made into a big deal.

This season, Leonard has sparked heated debates over the issue of resting players, whether it’s veteran stars like Russell Westbrook, players with a long history of injuries like Joel Embiid or even 19-year-old Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant, who was recently given a load management day.

LeBron has not yet sat out a game. But if he keeps up his current workload, don’t be surprised to see it happen later in the season.

LeBron is currently tied for 12th in the NBA in minutes played, logging 34.8 per game. Among the top 15 in that category, the 34-year-old veteran in his 17th season is by far the oldest and most experienced player.

This year’s version of the Los Angeles Lakers, especially with the addition of Davis, was supposed to be different for LeBron in that he wouldn’t have to carry as big of a load as he did in Cleveland. During many of his years with the Cavaliers, it seemed like LeBron couldn’t even take long breaks in a game because the team couldn’t get or maintain a lead with him on the bench.

Things aren’t that bad for these Lakers, but LeBron is still leading the team in minutes, scoring and assists. LeBron, Danny Green and JaVale McGee are the only Lakers who have been in the starting lineup for each of L.A.’s 13 games.

While he is one of the league’s best-conditioned athletes and seems like he can play at an elite level until until he’s 40, LeBron is inevitably going to begin wearing down.

Whether it’s managing his minutes during games or sitting him out on planned load management days, the Lakers need to monitor his situation like other teams are doing with their stars.