LeBron James Needs to Respond to Opposition to NBA Restart Plan Immediately

After announcing the Orlando restart plan, hurdles are beginning to emerge in the NBA's return to play. Amid growing health concerns, numerous players, headed by Kyrie Irving, have voiced their opposition to restarting the season, instead wanting to focus on social justice issues and safety.

Despite being one of the league's most important figures, LeBron James has yet to respond to the newest spate of issues facing the game, after captaining the initial group of players that initiated its restart. As the cloud of controversy grows, James must make his voice heard to add clarity to the fate of this NBA season.

LeBron's opinion has become especially important after Patrick Beverley's statement that if The King says to play, the rest of league will also. While that may be an exaggeration, James certainly has a powerful influence. His opinion may be what swings this season in one direction or another.

On one hand, James has continually been one of the NBA's most politically active players, especially so following George Floyd's death and the civil rights protests in America. Why would he not want to continue that fight in the months to come?

On the other hand, James is looking at a phenomenal chance to win another NBA Finals trophy with the Lakers and further cement his legacy. Ending the season will forfeit that opportunity, but does playing it forfeit the fight for social justice? Or does he believe players can do the right amount of good from the Orlando bubble, as opposed to Irving's viewpoint?

That is the challenge plaguing the players' minds. If James feels that the season will not sacrifice the political causes at hand, then you can be sure there will be basketball in July. If he doesn't, then expect the league to remain on the sidelines.

That clarity is important, and James would be the one to provide it, which he should as soon as possible.