Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said she supports her players after they chose to boycott Game 5 of their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers in light of the Jacob Blake shooting.
Buss also stated that “after 400 years of cruelty, racism and injustice, we all need to work together to say enough is enough.”
I was excited to see us play – and hopefully close out our series – tonight. But I stand behind our players, today and always. After more than 400 years of cruelty, racism and injustice, we all need to work together to say enough is enough. #JusticeForJacobBlake #WeHearYou
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) August 26, 2020
The landscape of the NBA might have changed forever on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Bucks became the first team to boycott their playoff game.
The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder announced they were doing the same shortly thereafter, with the Lakers and Trail Blazers eventually following suit.
After the six teams expressed their decision not to play, the NBA officially postponed each of the contests and will reschedule them to a later date. However, there are some questions as to whether this season will have a conclusion.
The players are going to meet to address next steps following the cancellation of Wednesday's games, with one veteran player saying “the season is in jeopardy.”
Emotions are raw, players were already worn out of bubble environment prior to the Jacob Blake shooting and sources say discussions within teams are ongoing about postponing tomorrow's three games too — and beyond. "The season is in jeopardy," one vet player here tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
The Lakers had been steamrolling towards the second round, winning three straight over the Trail Blazers after losing Game 1. However, it would seem the players are intent on taking a stand and stating enough is enough.
LeBron James has been really vocal following news of the Blake shooting.
And y’all wonder why we say what we say about the Police!! Someone please tell me WTF is this???!!! Exactly another black man being targeted. This shit is so wrong and so sad!! Feel so sorry for him, his family and OUR PEOPLE!! We want JUSTICE https://t.co/cJxOj1EZ3H
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2020
The Lakers superstar reiterated that call for change and justice on Wednesday afternoon when it was announced the Bucks were boycotting.
FUCK THIS MAN!!!! WE DEMAND CHANGE. SICK OF IT
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 26, 2020
This likely would have been James and the Lakers' best opportunity to win a championship in some time.
Nonetheless, the players came to Orlando under the premise they would keep social justice issues at the forefront. It would seem they are keeping that promise.
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