The NBA has experienced a decline in viewership in recent years, driven by various factors. The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson believes that load management is playing a significant role in this trend. With teams opting to rest their star players due to the grueling schedule, Johnson argues this practice negatively impacts the fan experience.
Appearing on Byron Scott’s Fast Break Podcast, Johnson expressed his frustration with the current state of the game. He explained that back-to-back games often force teams to rest their top players, leading to fewer stars on the court and diminishing fans’ interest in tuning in.
“I love the NBA game,” Johnson said. “But then I turn on to a game, right, and the stars are not playing because of load management. It’s hurting the game.” As the league enters the final stretch of the regular season, the absence of marquee players has become even more noticeable.
Coaches are managing player fatigue carefully to preserve them for the playoffs. For example, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr recently acknowledged that rest is essential for Stephen Curry, citing fatigue from consecutive games.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors runs back down court smiling after making his 4000th career three-pointer against the Sacramento Kings. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Johnson shares Michael Jordan’s take on load management
During the same podcast appearance, Johnson also revealed Michael Jordan’s perspective on the issue. “I was with Michael Jordan — not last summer, but the summer before last — we ran into each other in Europe,” Johnson said. “And he says, ‘Earvin, I don’t know why these guys…’ Because if you look at his record, he almost played every game like five or six times throughout his career. He didn’t miss one game. He played in every game”.
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Jordan’s legendary durability is well-documented; he played all 82 games in nine of his 15 NBA seasons. Although Johnson didn’t quote Jordan directly, he hinted at Jordan’s disbelief that today’s players require rest when he consistently suited up for every game.
Magic Johnson reflects on load management during his era
While the former Lakers star himself never played all 82 games in a season, he clarified that his absences were not by choice. He shared that coaches and trainers often had to step in to ensure players rested when needed.
“We wanted to play in every game. Pat Riley or our trainer Gary Vitti, they had to make sure that they say, ‘No, no, no, don’t put your uniform on, don’t come sitting on that bench,’” Johnson recalled. “Because you wanted to play. You wanted to play for your guys and with your guys. He made me wear a t-shirt”.
