3. The potential possibility that players sit out
Given the fact that the NBA season will be suspended for a third of the calendar year by the time play resumes on July 30th, every player on each of the 22 teams selected to play may choose not to return to basketball this season.
Players who choose not to play may have their own agendas for not wanting to play, and the NBA is not forcing anyone to suit up for the remaining eight games or the playoffs, but every player is aware of the rules of the Orlando bubble.
In the coming days/weeks we may see players on some of the less successful teams choose not to come to Orlando, simply because their teams don’t have a real shot at even making the playoffs. However, it is completely understandable if some players do not travel with their teams for bigger reasons than not having a true shot at the playoffs.
1. Fear of COVID-19
The whole reason why the league chose to suspend operations was because of how easily COVID-19 spreads. People have been told to stay home with their families and practice social distancing for the past couple of months, so we may see some players choose to continue staying home for their own safety.
The NBA has come up with an extensive plan to ensure the safety of both the players, team staffs, and league personnel while they’re living in the Orlando Bubble while the rest of the season plays out. The league has also come up with special contingency plans in the unfortunate case that a player or staff member contracts the virus.
Even though the league has done its best to keep everyone safe in the coming months, the league will not order players to travel to Orlando if they are uncomfortable.
2. The Fight Against Racial Injustices
Along with the fear of the virus, another reason why players might choose to sit out when basketball returns is because of the ongoing battle against racial injustices and to raise awareness about what is going on in the black community.
Multiple players around the association have raised concerns about whether or not the NBA season should continue following the killing of George Floyd last month, and the worldwide protests against police brutality, racism and inequality in America.
It is not set in stone if any players from the Lakers will choose not to play come late July, but both guard Avery Bradley and center Dwight Howard have vocally expressed their personal concerns about the season continuing amidst everything going on.
Both players are key pieces for the Lakers, and the team will need their support in order to make a deep run in the playoffs, but given the severity of the racial problems going on right now, the reason is completely understandable and they will not be punished for making that decision.
While it is not fully expected for either player to sit out of the remainder of the season, there is yet to be a formal announcement about their decision about continuing with the rest of the team. As of right now, both players will be traveling to Orlando for the rest of the season and the playoffs.
These problems that the Los Angeles Lakers will face going into the resume of the season will require delicate solutions by the coaching staff and front office. With little amount of time between now and July 30th, it is now the waiting game for Lakers fans to see how it all unfolds.