Report: 'Overwhelming Majority' of NBA Officials 'Optimistic' Season Will Resume

There is reportedly plenty of optimism the NBA will find a way to finish the 2019-20 season even while facing the coronavirus pandemic.

"Across the league, an overwhelming majority of high-level officials remain encouraged and optimistic that basketball will return this season," Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN wrote.

Wojnarowski also noted commissioner Adam Silver "has repeatedly told teams he remains determined for the season to culminate with a champion."

This comes after Jabari Young of CNBC reported some team executives and player agents were pushing for the season to be canceled with continued uncertainty about if and when games would continue.

The season has been suspended since March 11, a decision that was made shortly after Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

LeBron James seemed to react to Young's report Thursday when he tweeted the idea of executives and agents wanting to cancel the season is "absolutely not true":

James' Los Angeles Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference at 49-14 and would be well-positioned to challenge for his fourth career championship if the season did resume.

Wojnarowski explained there are still a number of decisions to be made, including where the games would take place. He listed the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as one possibility but noted Disney World in Orlando "has gained momentum."

There is also the issue of access to widespread testing to ensure the health and safety of the players and team personnel.

While Wojnarowski pointed out some manufacturers could help the NBA get the approximately 15,000 tests it feels it may need to finish the season, he also noted Silver has been adamant that the general public and healthcare workers also have mass access to tests before his league is using such a high number.

Restarting the season also figures to impact next season, and Wojnarowski reported there is support to start the 2020-21 campaign in December and run it through July or August if needed.