Lakers’ Jared Dudley Explains Why Next NBA Season Will Most Likely Begin In December

Although the news of the 2020-21 season beginning in December has been a treat for fans, it’s facing some push back from players and executives from certain franchises. The reason being that the last season has just ended, and starting another just two months later isn’t fair to those who were part of the Bubble in the last few stages, like the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers came out victorious in the NBA Finals. After shedding blood, sweat, and tears to win the championship, they will need some more time to revive, rest, and get back into shape before the next season begins. Two months aren’t enough for that and because of this, there have been many mixed opinions surrounding this controversial decision.

As the possibility of the season beginning on the 22nd continues to increase, Jared Dudley, who is a part of the National Basketball Players Association board, joined Frank Isola on SiriusXM NBA Radio to discuss the issue.

A Lakers forward is fairly certain the season will begin in December

Dudley explained the reason behind his opinion. He said, “It’s just a dollar thing… [The players] will vote on it, but to be honest with you there’s no real vote. Nobody is playing 55 games. We’ve got to play 72, it’s the money thing, so we will most likely be on the 22nd. For the Lakers, it’s a quick turnaround, but a good thing.”

Dudley then jokingly stated, “Everyone besides me and LeBron [James] are young, relatively young. A.D. (Anthony Davis) and [Kyle] Kuzma and guys. Hopefully, we’re there ring night. Obviously, Christmas, Lakers, and how big our fan base is they want to see the Lakers at that time, but it is something we are really going to have to watch the whole team’s bodies and injury prevention. It’s a marathon and we’ve got to be smart about that early on especially.”

Although many might be against this projected date, it’s not likely that the teams won’t show up. Danny Green had initially said that his entire team was planning to not turn up, he himself said that that meant sarcastically. There is no way the Lakers won’t show up. What are your thoughts on this confusing situation?