By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Avery Bradley and Trevor Ariza opted to not take part in the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season, reports ESPN on both cases. Davis Bertans previously decided to sit out the restart.
“As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family,” the Los Angeles guard told ESPN, “And so, at a time like this, I can’t imagine making any decision that might put my family’s health and well-being at even the slightest risk. As promised also, I will use this time away to focus on the formation of projects to help strengthen my communities.”
Similar to Bradley, Ariza prioritized his family and to being able to see his 12-year-old son during a custody case. He was granted a one-month visitation window by the court set during the period that he would be quarantined in Orlando alongside the rest of the NBA players.
Players have until Wednesday to inform their teams of not participating in the remainder of the season. Teams with emptied roster spots can sign replacement players up to July 1 with the Lakers leaning towards adding J.R. Smith, ESPN notes.
Bradley is the co-leader with Kyrie Irving in the players’ movement towards raising issues regarding the plan to resume NBA action after the coronavirus pandemic and amid protests for racial equality.