Does LeBron James Hold the Power to Restart the NBA?

By Jenna Crawford -

There is friction between players about whether the NBA season should restart. With some in favor of a restart, others are hesitant to resume the season at all. With so much on the line, the NBA’s fate may well be in the hands of its talisman, LeBron James.

Does LeBron James Hold the Power to Restart the NBA?

Time to Get Back to the Court

The NBA laid out initial plans to restart the season in a 22-team league in Orlando on July 30. The NBA’s season was suspended in March, and union reps have reportedly unanimously agreed to resume the league in July. It’s understood that Chris Paul led a private call with some of the league’s top stars, including LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The players on that call were seemingly in favor of the league resuming, but not everyone agreed with them.

Opposition

Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving has led the opposition from some players to the league restarting. Irving argues that players are at an increased risk of injury after a long layoff, and resuming the season may detract from social issues throughout the United States. There are also claims that living in the restrictive bubble of Orlando would put many players off from resuming action on the court.

Does LeBron James Hold the Power to Restart the NBA?

Who Holds the Power?

With the possibility of both camps going head to head over their preferred outcomes, LA Clippers star Patrick Beverley believes LeBron James holds all the power. Beverley said in a tweet that if James is “hooping” then everyone will be, adding that it wouldn’t be personal but just business. James’ Lakers are leading the Western Conference and are among the favorites to take the NBA championship, so he has everything to play for.

While not every player may agree with him, it seems if LeBron James wants the league to restart, most players will follow him. Some players do not agree, but there’s every chance the NBA will side with James in this argument.