Dwight Howard

C, Los Angeles Lakers

Shams Charania reported a typed message from Dwight Howard in which he said "Contrary to popular belief, we are not attempting to halt the resumption of the basketball season in Orlando."

Howard continued to say "Our main objective is to raise awareness and gain transparency on the things that concern us collectively. Many of our fellow players are afraid to voice their concerns and are continue to follow along with what they believe they have to." Howard has been a vocal member of a Players Coalition led by Kyrie Irving. Avery Bradley said on Tuesday that he was 'eager to hear' how the NBA and sponsors would fulfill their responsibilities regarding racial injustice in the country. Irving's comments recently have made it seem that his intentions are to prevent the league from continuing play in Orlando to give more attention to the protests against racial injustice. Howard pushed against that idea today by saying "If any one of us chooses to sit, it has nothing to do with another players' right to play. Not once has any of us told one of our fellow brethren not to go to the Orlando Bubble Experiment and we stressed that in our meetings". The direct meaning of Howard's message says that he is in support of players deciding to continue the season in Orlando, but 'Orlando Bubble Experiment' doesn't sound like a positive endorsement. He also said that "The game will go on with or without those who decide not to play because like we are taught, we are easily replaceable." The Players Coalition has been vocal this week and it may press the NBA to address their concerns with a plan sooner rather than later.

Source: Shams Charania on Twitter