James Believes an Incomplete Season Won't Benefit Anyone

James, who has the Lakers leading the Western Conference standings when NBA commissioner Adam Silver ordered the suspension of the competition on March 11, believes an incomplete ending to the season, if it happens, won't benefit anyone and will leave many doubts.

Bad for the Lakers

For the Lakers star and the NBA, it will be bad for his team, which had shown a willingness to defeat other top title contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks, who have the best record in the NBA, and their neighbors the Los Angeles Clippers, who, despite injuries, are the team to beat.

Strong Position Before Suspension

When the league shut down in March, the Lakers were coming off a 2-0 weekend against the Bucks and the Clippers, solidifying their position in the Western Conference standings. James, 35, was also playing his best basketball of the season.

Goals for the Season

James' goals for the season were to win his fourth NBA title, his first with the Lakers, and to seek his fifth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the league.

"I can have some satisfaction with what our team has been able to do this season, with a new coach and technical staff, as well as a different system and teammates who have integrated seamlessly," James said. "Everyone has positively surprised me."

Overcoming Adversity

James pointed out that, before the suspension, the team had overcome a number of adverse circumstances such as the crisis with China and the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter accident, which ultimately kept them united and stronger than ever.

However, in a video conference with journalists last night, James admitted that without a complete ending to the season, all of the previous achievements would not have the same sports significance, although he will always be "proud" of them.

No Fans, No Problem

Hence, despite being the first to say he would not play in games without fans, he would now be willing to do so because he believes they would still have the support of their fans from their homes.

"I hope we can channel that energy and focus and bring them along with us whether we're at the Staples Center without fans or in some isolated place playing basketball," James anticipated.

No Quarantine for Resuming Season

James also changed the comments he made on the Road Trippin' Podcast a few weeks ago when hosts Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, and Allie Clifton suggested that the league could resume if all essential personnel were quarantined in the same location for the remaining games on the schedule.

James dismissed that scenario.

"I think once (the pandemic) gets to a point where it's under control and they allow us to resume some activity, I would love to start the season again," James admitted. "Competing is what I want, and no matter where we have to do it, we have to take advantage of the opportunity that's presented to us and be ready."