New on SI: Lakers' Dwight Howard: 'Unity of My People Would be an Even Bigger Championship'

The league will not penalize players who choose not to participate in the resumed 22-team season

The Lakers center agrees with Nets guard Kyrie Irving, who has been among the most vocal about being hesitant for the NBA to return as to not distract from the Black Lives Matter movement. Through his agent Howard told CNN's Jill Martin that, "Basketball, or entertainment period, isn't needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction I would love nothing more than to win my very first NBA Championship. But the unity of My People would be an even bigger Championship, that's just to (sic) beautiful to pass up. What better time than now for us to be focusing on our families...No Basketball till we get things resolved."

Video Transcript:

Lakers center Dwight Howard has expressed his hesitation about returning to the basketball court, saying he agrees with Kyrie Irving and doesn't want to distract from the current Black Lives Matter movement. Irving led a conference call Friday with more than 80 NBA players as they discussed concerns about the league's return to play, both as it relates to health and safety amid the coronavirus pandemic and optics as the narrative of racial inequality has come to the forefront in recent weeks. Howard said ""Basketball, or entertainment period, isn't needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction..." 

The veteran big man went on to express ,"...I would love nothing more than to win my very first NBA Championship. But the unity of My People would be an even bigger Championship." The NBA and players association are still working out a balance to address the players concerns. The league is reportedly not requiring its players to participate in the season restart if they are uncomfortable doing so. Players who voluntarily sit out would lose a portion of their salaries, but would otherwise face no consequences.