The path to the 2019-20 NBA title was supposed to go through L.A. As two of the most well-equipped teams in the league, they had the star power, depth, and experience to win the Championship.
But, amid all the cultural and racial tension plaguing the nation, it seems taking a stand and promoting change has superseded even L.A.’s desire for a chip.
According to Shams Charania, the Clippers and Lakers are among two of the teams who decided to boycott the remainder of the season.
Sources: The Lakers and Clippers have voted to boycott the NBA season. Most other teams voted to continue. LeBron James has exited the meeting.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2020
In fact, the Lakers and Clippers were the only teams who elected to sit out the rest of the playoffs.
Sources: Every team besides Lakers and Clippers voted to continue playing. LeBron James said in meeting he want owners to be more involved/take action.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2020
Without the NBA’s two premier teams, doubts have already surfaced about if the playoffs can even go on.
Sources: Miami's Udonis Haslem spoke and essentially told everyone in room that — without Lakers and Clippers, how will season continue?
LeBron James walked out. Rest of Lakers and Clippers exited behind him.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2020
Needless to say, emotions are running high and, to nobody’s surprise, it ha been reported that the players meeting ended “ugly.”
Told the players’ meeting ended "ugly," per a source, with uncertainty about what will happen tomorrow. The union will be present at the special Board of Governors meeting, per a source.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 27, 2020
Considering the sacrifices both the league and the players had to make in order to make the bubble possible, it’s hard to blame folks for wanting to return to action and finish off the season. The NBA, and their own paychecks, are on the line if they don’t return.
As for the L.A. teams, it further validates what they’re trying to do for the African American community. By committing to a long-term boycott, and no doubt forgoing paychecks in the process, they are paying a personal price for the sake of societal change. That’s respectable, even if you don’t agree with the bottom line.
All-in-all, it’s a truly unprecedented situation on all fronts and it remains to be seen how the dominoes will fall in the aftermath of these boycotts.
