For Los Angeles Lakers player Avery Bradley, it wasn't a question of having to choose between his family's health and continuing the basketball season — he put his family above it all. As the NBA finalizes plans to resume the 2019-20 season in Orlando with 22 teams and strict rules to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Avery announced he will opt out of the continued season to protect his family's health. According to ESPN, his 6-year-old son, Liam, has had trouble recovering from respiratory illnesses in the past.
"As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organisation as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family," he told ESPN. "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.
"As promised also, I will use this time away to focus on the formation of projects to help strengthen my communities."
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According to the sports-focussed news outlet, Avery will lose about $650,000 in salary with his choice to sit out for the remainder of the season. His decision makes for a tough loss for the organisation, but NBA fans can — and should — absolutely respect his decision to continue social distancing with his family, even when a championship is in sight for the Lakers.