Avery Bradley
Photo: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Avery Bradley when the NBA season resumes. The 29-year-old guard opted out of season resumption citing family reasons.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

“As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family,” Avery Bradley said. “And so, at a time like this, I can’t imagine making any decision that might put my family’s health and well-being at even the slightest risk.

“As promised also, I will use this time away to focus on the formation of projects to help strengthen my communities.”

Lakers legend Magic Johnson reacted to the news by tweeting a message that “losing Avery Bradley is a tough loss and will make it more difficult for them to win the NBA championship.” This season Bradley averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

According to the latest reports, JR Smith emerged as the leader to replace Bradley for season resumption.