Los Angeles (AFP)

"I don't think I could completely turn the page if we don't have the opportunity to finish this season" suspended because of the Covid-19, said LeBron James, a Lakers superstar who is among the favorites for the title.

Interviewed Wednesday by some media via the Zoom application, James nevertheless said he was "proud" of what his team has accomplished so far. "I could look back and say that we have done something special in this time."

On the evening of March 11, the season came to a halt after the positive test from French pivot Rudy Gobert (Utah). The Lakers occupied first place in the Western Conference and were guaranteed to play the play-offs for the first time in seven years.

"I can only be satisfied with what we have been able to do with a new coach (Frank Vogel), new staff and as many new players in the squad," said James, whose impressive individual performances place him at 35 years in the race for the MVP of the regular season, which he has already won four times.

Evoking his relationship with the other star of the team, Anthony Davis who arrived last summer, the "King" assured that he did not think that the agreement would be made so quickly in the game.

"He played for seven years in New Orleans, he had to adapt to a new system and find automatisms. I thought it would take us much longer than that. But I had really wrong, "he said.

For the triple NBA champion (twice with Miami, once with Cleveland), this second season in the jersey of the Lakers will remain whatever happens. In addition to the "unprecedented current situation", linked to the coronavirus pandemic which requires confinement, the accidental death of Kobe Bryant on January 26 has deeply affected the "Laker Nation" of which he is the leader.

"Ups and downs, on and off the floor, that's what we actually had to endure," he said.

James, who plays basketball with his son Bronny "on sterile ground belonging to a friend", is ready to accept any scenario to resume the season. "If it's in one place, Las Vegas or elsewhere, where we are most likely to be safe, then we will have these types of discussions."

© 2020 AFP