The Los Angeles Lakers took care of business on Saturday night with a 131-122 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 to advance to the second round. The win comes in the aftermath of trying times within the Association whether to resume play amidst the social unrest in the United States.

Asked about whether he doubted if the playoffs would continue, James admitted that he did have those doubts as he and the rest of the league talked about their next action plan to address these pressing issues.

“Yeah, there was some doubt. But when you’re able to put that you feel that’s very important, that can change the landscape of what’s going on right now, both on and off the floor, then you can have more clarity. Myself having more clarity, and every other player in the league having more clarity on us going forward with the initiatives that were put together over the last couple of days.”

The NBA playoffs were in serious jeopardy of getting halted when the players decided to take a stand and boycott the games in response to the ongoing racial injustice. This came in the aftermath of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

James, however, didn’t want them to resume the playoffs without any clear plan in place. And he made sure to create one before they returned to floor.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Suns' Grayson Allen, Timberwolves, Target Center

Alex House ·

Pelicans' Brandon Ingram and Thunder's Lu Dort

Chris Dodson ·

Timberwolves' guard Anthony Edwards looks hyped, Suns' Bradley Beal, referee stand in background

Christopher Smith ·

“When I went to bed, I had major reservations about playing,” LeBron told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “It wasn’t what they (the Milwaukee Bucks) said; we heard what they said. It was, What the fuck are we going to do now? Are we just going to go back out there and play again, after all of this, with no plan? Nah. What was the plan?

“I woke up Thursday morning and I came up with a plan,” he said.

James was reportedly very vocal during the discussions between players and league executives. The Lakers along with the L.A. Clippers were reportedly the two teams which voted to boycott the rest of the season.

It’s still unknown what the NBA will do exactly, but considering everything they have done so far, expect a grand and impactful message from the best league in the world.