The league is still negotiating the details of a 2020 restart over three months after the coronavirus pandemic forced the season to be suspended. There are said to be plans to resume the regular season from July 30 on a modified schedule, although a handful of players reportedly expressed concerns about injury risks during a conference call this week.
On the same call involving 80 players on Friday, Nets point guard Kyrie Irving reportedly led calls for basketball not to return while protests against racial injustice and police brutality continue across the United States.
MORE: Differing views from Kyrie Irving, Austin Rivers highlight NBPA’s internal struggle
Anti-racism demonstrations have been held across the world following the death of George Floyd. Renewed protests have occurred in Atlanta after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by police at a drive-through on Friday, an incident that led to the resignation of the city’s police chief.
On Sunday, eight-time All-Star Howard issued a statement via his agent to CNN in which he made it clear he would give up the chance to win a first NBA Championship for “the unity of my people.”
Howard’s statement in full:
The Lakers held the top spot in the Western Conference standings before the league’s suspension at 49-14.
