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 [1] in Orlando with 22 teams and strict rules to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus [2], 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 [3]. "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."
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 [5], even when a championship is in sight for the Lakers.