NBA: 'Ring Doesn't Make Me Feel Like More Or Less Of A Person,' Bradley Says

Barring any setbacks in the coming weeks, it appears the NBA bubble league will push through as scheduled. The Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the favorite teams to win it all even with tweaks made to its roster. Most know that Avery Bradley opted to pass playing for the remainder of the season due to family health concerns. J.R. Smith has been signed to take his place.

Regardless, Bradley did his part and contributed to where the Lakers are now. The 29-year-old guard played 49 games for the purple and gold this season, averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 24.2 minutes of action. Though he opted to sit out the remainder of the season, the Lakers plan to still reward him with an NBA championship ring if Los Angeles goes on to win the title this year, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported.

Bradley confirmed that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka reached out to him about the plan. He was offered a ring if Los Angeles won it all and said it was a kind gesture. However, it seems the 19th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft has mixed feelings about being given one. Having been in the league for so long, Bradley feels that the physical possession of a ring does not make him feel less of a person.

"The physical possession of a ring doesn’t make me feel like more or less of a person. I play basketball strictly for enjoyment and to add to the support of my family. Supporting them is exactly what I’m doing right now,” Bradley said.

It appears Bradley prefers to win an NBA ring if he worked hard for it from beginning to end. The COVID-19 situation is something the world did not see coming and it all boiled down to priorities. On his end, the 6-foot-3 chose the well-being and safety of his family which is laudable. Bradley also gave up big money by sitting out. As mentioned in a previous post, Bradley will lose as much as $650,000 with his decision.

Bradley is only 29 and will have future opportunities to win an NBA ring, depending on which club he ends up with. He did his part for the Lakers though was unable to complete it due to unforeseen circumstances. But if the Lakers offer stands, it may be foolish to turn the NBA ring down - if the Lakers do win it all.