KEY POINTS

  • Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley opts out of the Orlando restart
  • Bradley says the primary reason for his decision is the concerns regarding his family's health
  • Bradley will lose about $650,000 in salary by sitting out

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Avery Bradley has decided to sit out the remainder of the 2020 NBA Season. The 10-year veteran cited concerns on the health of his family, particularly his six-year-old son, as the primary reason for his decision not to join the Lakers and their campaign for a title run at the Orlando restart.

Bradley told ESPN on Tuesday of his decision, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

“At the forefront of Bradley's decision to remain with his family is the well-being of the oldest of he and his wife Ashley's three children -- his 6-year-old son, Liam.” Wojnarowski wrote. “Liam Bradley has a history of struggling to recover from respiratory illnesses and it's unlikely that he could have been medically cleared to enter the Orlando bubble with his family.”

Prior to his official announcement, Bradley had made the rounds of controversial discussions as he and Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving voiced out concerns that the NBA restart could be a distraction to the ongoing protests against racism and injustices, particularly for the Black community.

"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,” Bradley was quoted saying, per ESPN.

"As promised also, I will use this time away to focus on the formation of projects to help strengthen my communities."

Bradley signed with the Lakers during the last offseason. He has proven to be a vital piece in his first year for the purple and gold, helping the team capture the best record in the Western Conference before the suspension in Mach.

A former All-Defensive Team member, Bradley brought his tenacity at the Staples Center as he thrived in being one of the anchors of Frank Vogel’s defensive system. Starting in 44 games this season, the 29-year-old up averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.4% from deep.

By deciding to sit out the resumption of the season, Bradley, however, is expected to lose about $650,000 in salary.

Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley was selected 19th overall by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft. Getty Images
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