Avery Bradley broke the hearts of Los Angeles Lakers fans when he announced that he would opt out of the NBA bubble, citing personal concerns. However, in a recent revelation, the new Miami Heat guard revealed how it was equally difficult for him to sit through the NBA Finals.
Per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Bradley admitted how nervous he was during the NBA Finals. He added that he was in constant communication with the team, particularly with general manager Rob Pelinka.
Avery Bradley, on bypassing Lakers' playoff title run, "It was really hard for me. It was hard. It was tough . . . The championship game, my hands were sweating." Said he spoke regularly through the bubble with Rob Pelinka.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 8, 2020
To recall, Bradley opted out of the bubble restart to tend to his son's illness. It was a great loss for the Lakers, as Bradley had been a critical part of their success.
A two-time selection on the NBA All-Defensive team, Bradley was an important piece of Frank Vogel's defensive-centric system. On the offensive end, Bradley provided reliable shooting from deep and from the perimeter. In 49 games with the Lakers, he averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assist across 24.2 minutes per game.
Little was heard from Bradley during the playoffs. But every time the Lakers suffered a defeat, fans would flock to Twitter wishing Bradley would suit up and play. When LA finally won the title, people still wanted to see the 30-year-old to at least be part of the celebration.
Unfortunately, Bradley will not be able to help LA defend the title after signing with the Heat in the offseason. According to reports at the start of free agency, Bradley had agreed to sign a two-year, $11.6 million deal to join the South Beach franchise–the same team LeBron James and Co. defeated in the 2o2o NBA Finals in six games.
In the coming 2020-21 NBA season, the Heat will face the Lakers on Feb. 20. Bradley will likely receive his title ring before the game.
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