via Imago
May 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and center Ivica Zubac (40) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
May 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and center Ivica Zubac (40) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers recently lost their second game in a row to their neighborhood rival the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite being a close game throughout all four quarters, the Lakers just could not come out on top as they eventually lost 103-97. Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard came off the bench due to returning from an injury but still had a solid game.?
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The Lakers on the other hand fell short. Russell Westbrook took much of the criticism after the game. He went 0-6 from beyond the arc and 0-11 from the field. The only two points he scored were from the free-throw line.
Fans not happy with load management
Leonard lit up the Lakers in the limited minutes he played. Even John Wall did not start the game but contributed 15 points to the team total.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) react against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Both Leonard and Wall are coming off injuries from the past season. And that is why the Clippers’ coaching staff brought them off the bench instead of putting them in the starting lineup. However, the two stars are ruled out for the Clippers’ next upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings.
John Wall scored 15 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 14 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Clippers want to make sure that their star players are in perfect health before giving the all-clear to play and start games.?
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
They've been injured longer than Covid
— Scotty Trill (@TGIFill) October 22, 2022
Lol played 1 game in 1yr and already load management after the 1st game these guys get paid way to much for what they produce
— sam (@onyohead38) October 22, 2022
NOOOOOOOOOOO NOT THIS AGAIN
— The Forever Story (@CeeElBeeeeee) October 22, 2022
Just imagine living in Sacramento & you buy tickets to see a superstar team finally come to town.
Then you find out those superstars don’t play because of
LOAD MANAGEMENT 😩😂NBA = NB💩
— OpenYourMind (@mindyouropening) October 22, 2022
Damn Shame! Hope the Kings kick that ass! Something has to be done about rest games. #NBA you can rehab on off days or practice days
— O’Cornell (@_TMUNDY_) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/nwo696969696969/status/1583622705362145280?s=20&t=rXYdwwHfWyw2D6OVFoFQLg
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Fans on the other hand were in disbelief after seeing both players sidelined even after playing just their first game. A fan tweeted, ?They’ve been injured longer than Covid.??
The Clippers are not in a rush
Coming back to the court after a serious injury can be tricky. Players need to heal and rehabilitate properly in order to perform at their highest level. And that may be the reason the Clippers’ front office isn?t rushing them into playing.?
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It will be interesting to see when the Los Angeles Clippers‘ front office decides to bring these two players back. Not only on the floor but into the starting lineup.?
