Is LeBron James prepared to boycott 2014-15 if Donald Sterling remains Clippers owner?
Could the league’s most recognizable star sit out next season if Donald Sterling is still the Clippers’ owner? That’s what LeBron James’ teammate Roger Mason said before backtracking one day later.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
LeBron James has been outspoken about banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, but could he take the ultimate step and boycott games if the league isn’t able to wrest control of the franchise from Sterling? That’s what James’ teammate and current NBA Players Association Vice President Roger Mason told Jim Rome.
“I was just in the locker room three or four days ago, LeBron and I talked about it. He ain’t playing if Sterling is still an owner.”
However, Mason walked back from those words Wednesday.
My bad if I was not clear.LBJ never said anything about boycotting.He's a friend and I would never want to imply something he didn't say
— Roger Mason Jr (@MoneyMase) May 14, 2014 The NBA is currently trying to expedite proceedings that would remove the Clippers from Sterling’s ownership after a tape of him saying racist remarks to personal assistant V Stiviano surfaced. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has banned Sterling “for life,” but the other owners are the only ones with the power to force a sale. Should they vote to do so, Sterling will likely countersue in an attempt to keep his team.
Now we’re starting to see just how serious the problem is from a league-wide perspective. Players were said to have been contemplating boycotting the playoffs in protest prior to Silver’s actions. If Mason is telling the truth, that is being taken a step further with news that the league could play without LeBron unless Sterling is gone.
The full interview will air Wednesday night on Showtime at 9 pm.
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