Published 18:49 IST, June 17th 2020

Why does LeBron James want the NBA restart while Kyrie Irving stands opposed?

After the NBA approved the plan to resume the season amid the ongoing protests, Kyrie Irving has been against the decision, while LeBron James supports it.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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After NBA approved plan to resume  NBA season amid ongoing protests in USA, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving led discussion to sit out games in Orlando. However, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is seemingly on side of NBA restart as he believes athletes can effect change even from Walt Disney World in Orlando. As per recent reports, James wants to play games as he kws it will help his NBA legacy. 

Also re | LeBron James highlights US' history with racism in a bid to understand ongoing protests: LeBron James news

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Why does LeBron James want NBA restart?

Also re | Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony, Dovan Mitchell among players against NBA restart: NBA players to sit out

LeBron James wants NBA restart to go through so it can impact his legacy

As per ESPN, an Eastern Conference executive stated that LeBron James is going to 'make sure those games are played because he kws y could have a huge impact on his legacy'. executive also ded that winning one or two more NBA championships could be his 'tipping point', which is why he is determined to go for it. Previously, Athletic reported that LeBron James is sure he can continue impacting world in a positive way from Orlando during protests, which was primary concern. James, who is considered one of NBA all-time greats, is often selected after NBA legend Michael Jordan or late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in conversation of game's greats. Currently, LeBron James has won three NBA championships – two with Miami Heat (2012, 2013) and one with Cleveland Cavaliers (2016).

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While James wants season to resume, he has been vocal about protests and George Floyd's death on Twitter and Instagram. James, along with or black athletes, has also started a voting rights club which will help African American people cast ir votes. Two days ago, a community leer from Portland called Lakayana Drury wrote an open letter to Lakers star, asking him to sit out NBA season. In letter, Drury requested him to 't participate' in season as y want him to dress 'racial disparities' in NBA as well as in country. 

Also re | Kyrie Irving statement: Nets star Kyrie Irving rey to risk contract to block NBA Restart, Kyrie Irving statement

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Kyrie Irving wants out of NBA return to support protests

During a conference call, Nets star and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) vice president Kyrie Irving stated that he is against NBA return in Orlando. As per reports, Irving has me it clear that he was willing to give up everything he has in order to take a stand for ongoing protests in USA.  Athletic and Stium's Shams Charania shared details of call via his Twitter account. 

As per reports, Irving was one who organised  call so social reform could be discussed considering situation in country. At end of call, Carmelo Anthony, Dovan Mitchell and Dwight Howard mentioned 'possibly sitting out' when games resume. Reports also ded that while Irving does t support decision to travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, he will travel if all players agreed on it being correct call. 

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Sitting out games would also mean that Irving would lose a part of his $140 million contract with Nets. As per reports, guard has alrey lost $8 million of his salary due to NBA suspension caused by COVID-19 pandemic. As per Heavy, Irving's value could drop to $60 million considering financial consequences of pandemic. Irving was also injured during 2019-20 season. He played nine games in January, but later underwent arthroscopic surgery which ended his 2019-20 campaign. 

Also re | LeBron James urged to sit out NBA restart as a sign of protest against racism, Kyrie Irving against NBA restart

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(Im courtesy: @nbastats official Twitter, NBA official site)

18:49 IST, June 17th 2020