It’s been only a few weeks since the Lakers defeated the Heat in the NBA Finals, yet the start of training camp for next season could take place in roughly one month’s time.
Initially, there was talk of the 2020-21 NBA season beginning in January, or even February. However, that would push the playoffs into the summer, and could conflict with the Olympics. Not only that, it would also likely push the 2021-22 season back, whereas both players and owners seem to be focused on getting back to their normal schedule.
Unfortunately, to do that, they’d need to sacrifice time, shaving off a number of weeks from the offseason. It appears that’s what’s going to happen, as Dec. 22 has been floated as the date of the first game of the 2020-21 season. The short turnaround could pose a problem for veteran players, and could result in an increase of load management. As for LeBron James, though, the Lakers star will make do by “cherrypicking,” which he joked about on the most recent episode of “The Shop.”
“The first half of the season, I’m cherry-picking the whole first half of the season,” he said.
