Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley has decided to sit out the resumption of the season that is set to start in Orlando after July 30, according to Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley has opted-out of playing in the NBA’s Orlando restart of the season, Bradley told ESPN on Tuesday night.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020
The main reason for his decision is the concern about the health of his oldest son that has a history of struggling to recover from respiratory illnesses. For Bradley, the health of his family comes first.
“As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family. And so, at a time like this, I can’t imagine making any decision that might put my family’s health and well-being at even the slightest risk.”
With the absence of Bradley, the Lakers can sign a free agent to replace him in the roster for the remainder of the season in Orlando. J.R. Smith is the leading candidate for the roster spot according to Wojnarowski.
Free agent guard JR Smith has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Avery Bradley on the Lakers roster, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020
Bradley signed a two-year deal with the Lakers in the offseason and has been a key player in the starting lineup of the team. He has played in 49 games this season, starting in 44 of those, and has averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 24 minutes per game.
