Washington Wizards’ guard John Wall is calling out Kobe Bryant and wants the five-time champion to have a role in labor negotiations. Wall would like to see the NBA’s biggest stars battle it out in meetings and work with the Union in signing a new CBA.
“I think we’re going to have to have guys like Kobe [Bryant], LeBron, the face of the NBA, to step up and say something,” said Wall, who was in Las Vegas this week when National Basketball Players Association President Derek Fisher and executive director Billy Hunter updated the players on the labor impasse. “Derek Fisher and those guys are doing a great job, but I just want it to be over. I can’t really say too much. I only have one year under my belt. . . . I just want to sit back, learn and listen and see what’s going on during the meetings.”
Many analysts have also said players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant need to step in on labor talks if they want to see the season start on time. In the previous work stoppage during the 1998-1999 season, a new CBA was signed after the league’s stars finally decided to talk with the owners.
Although John Wall is only a second year player, veterans James and Bryant must listen to his pleas.
