Report: LeBron James Doesn't Think NBA Restart Affects Ability to Inspire Change

While a significant number of NBA players connected via Zoom call Friday night to debate the merits of restarting the league amid the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing protests over systemic racism and police brutality, the most significant player in the league was not present.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James did not participate in the call reportedly organized by Kyrie Irving and James' teammate Avery Bradley. 

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, that doesn't mean basketball's biggest star won't be trying to spur change:

"Sources say James, whose Lakers have as good a chance at the title as any of the 22 teams invited to Walt Disney World, believes playing in Orlando won’t deter his ability to continue inspiring change.

"He wants to keep making his mark off the court. He wants to play basketball. And as has always been the case, he clearly believes he can do both at the same time."

Among the 80 or so reported players who joined the call were National Basketball Players Association President Chris Paul as well as vice presidents CJ McCollum, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrett Temple. Irving also serves as a vice president. 

An invitation to the Zoom call obtained by The Athletic read: 

“We have a responsibility to start making more conscious decisions. The choices we make not only affect us as individuals, but everyone as a whole. We are fighting together to change the system and stand by one another in solidarity. Especially during these times of civil/social unrest. Because of our competitive nature, there has been an unnecessary division amongst us. In joining together we have the ability to empower one another. We reach out to you because we want all of your voices to be heard.”

James has been seen working out around Los Angeles, while on Wednesday, he headlined the formation of a voting rights group called More Than a Vote with Trae Young, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jalen Rose. 

“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us," James told Jonathan Martin of the New York Times about the group. "We feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door. How long is up to us. We don’t know. But we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this is the time for us to finally make a difference.”

It remains unclear how the players on Friday's call would use their time to promote change should they pull out of playing in Orlando. Irving, who is rehabbing from season-ending shoulder surgery, will not be an active player should the season resume.

During the call, Carmelo Anthony reportedly suggested the 80 players each make individual donations of $25,000 to a cause of their choosing, yet there was no reported consensus reached. 

The NBPA previously voted 28-0 last week to approve the league's plan to restart the season. Though James is not a member of the NBPA executive team, his voice carries immense weight as the face of the league. 

He plans on joining the Lakers in Orlando while working to enact positive change throughout the country.