NBA Exec Says LeBron James Is ‘Going To Make Sure Games Are Played’ Despite Growing Concerns From Players Because He’s Trying To Catch Michael Jordan

There’s a good chance an NBA season goes on as planned because that’s what LeBron James wants.

All week long we’ve been hearing reports about a growing number of players led by Kyrie Irving who are uncertain about committing to the league’s plan to restart the season next month amid the coronavirus pandemic and the social unrest in the country.

Via ESPN

As a growing faction of NBA players remains uncertain about committing to the league’s plan for restarting the season in an Orlando bubble environment, a coalition of players including Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Avery Bradley believes it has a responsibility to take on a leading role in exploring answers and solutions for fellow players the group believes to be justifiably reluctant to speak for themselves, sources told ESPN.

Among concerns surrounding the league’s return to play after a three-month shutdown in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, sources said the coalition is citing: a surge in positive coronavirus cases in Florida, conditions surrounding the restrictive environment in the bubble, insurance and liabilities for players based on possible illnesses, and injuries in a truncated finish to the season.

According to an NBA exec, LeBron is going to make sure the games are played because he doesn’t want to miss out on a chance to close the gap on Michael Jordan.

Via ESPN

What league insiders expect: For most, another title would close the gap between the two legends, but it wouldn’t be enough for James to overtake Jordan just yet.

“LeBron is going to make sure those games [in Orlando] are played, because he knows they could have a huge impact on his legacy,” an Eastern Conference executive told Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “He knows picking up one or two more titles is the potential tipping point, and he’s determined to go for it.”

It seems like LeBron has the support of the players if he wants to continue with the season.

Via USA Today

Another person told USA TODAY Sports that as long as Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James still wants to resume the season, he will have the support of most players. The people were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive nature of these discussions.

LeBron hasn’t responded publicly to Kyrie Irving’s concerns about restarting the season amid social unrest in the country but it seems like he’s deadset on the season continuing to go forward as planned.