The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for their first playoff appearance since the 2012-13 NBA season. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as nationwide protesting over racial injustice, this year’s playoffs will look much different.
Players like Kyrie Irving, Avery Bradley, and Dwight Howard have all expressed concerns over resuming play at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
All three are part of a players’ coalition that believes resuming the season under these circumstances will provide an unwelcome distraction to issues of racial justice. The NBA has already said players who choose to sit out the remainder of the season will not be disciplined, but will miss out on salary.