Why is rolling friction less than sliding friction?

Sliding (or kinetic) friction occurs when two surfaces rub against each other. All the small protrusions from both surfaces impede the motion between them and must be overcome. Rolling friction (or rolling resistance) also occurs between two surfaces, but it applies to a spherical or cylindrical object, such as a ball or wheel, moving over a surface. Non-elastic effects are the main cause of this friction, in that not all the necessary energy for movement (or deformation) is recovered when the object is removed. The slippage between the surface and the object also dissipates energy; this is the aspect that is actually friction. Because the points of contact are much smaller in rolling friction, the resistance between them is less than between two large surfaces in contact.
https://www.britannica.com/science/rolling-friction