NBA Playoffs Resuming, Players Demanding More From Ownership
The NBA playoffs won’t be canceled after players boycotted three playoff games Wednesday and multiple teams voted to end the season in a contentious meeting, according to multiple reports, in the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Every team met Thursday morning at the NBA bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, continuing the discussion they had the night before that ended with no firm resolution. Players ultimately decided to continue the playoffs, though Thursday’s games will also be postponed.
The NBA is aiming to restart the playoffs Friday, The Athletic reports.
An informal vote was taken among the 13 remaining teams in the bubble Wednesday night. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers were the only two teams that were in favor of canceling the season, according to reports. Shortly before Thursday’s meeting between the players, ESPN reported that members of the Lakers stayed up late talking through issues, sparking optimism that the postseason would continue.
Lakers star LeBron James was reportedly an outspoken proponent of ending the season prematurely. James left the meeting Wednesday early, according to reports.
There is a meeting of NBA owners and players set for later today, sources tell @MarcJSpears and me. The discussion is expected to include plans of action moving forward on social justice issues.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2020
“The bubble is about more than just crowning a champion. More so now than ever. It felt like the message was fading. Hopeful this can create a new level of activism and commitment from our owners, league, teams towards real change,” veteran NBA player said about the owner meeting
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 27, 2020
Change doesn’t happen with just talk!! It happens with action and needs to happen NOW! For my @IPROMISESchool kids, kids and communities across the country, it’s on US to make a difference. Together. That's why your vote is @morethanavote ✊_ #BlackLivesMatter
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 27, 2020
James criticized NBA team owners Wednesday for not doing enough to support the movement for racial justice, Yahoo Sports reported. Players and owners will reportedly meet later Thursday to discuss what more can be down moving forward on social justice issues.
The Milwaukee Bucks sparked Wednesday’s boycotts when they didn’t take the court for Game 5 of their first-round series with the Orlando Magic. The Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder joined Milwaukee by refusing to play their games that were scheduled for Wednesday night.
Blake was shot in Kenosha, Wisconsin roughly 40 miles south of Milwaukee.
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