LeBron James breaks COVID protocols, says vaccine ‘no big deal’

The NBA was put in a tight spot on Sunday when it was revealed superstar Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James breached its COVID protocols.

LeBron James breached the NBA’s COVID protocols. Picture: Douglas P. DeFelice

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James broke NBA rules regarding COVID-19 but will not face sanction over the protocol breach, US media reported Sunday.

James, who will spearhead the Lakers in their opening playoff game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, violated health and safety regulations after attending a promotional event for a brand of tequila he has invested in, ESPN reported.

Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan and singer Drake both attended the event with James, which took place before the Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.

Although invitees were required to show proof of a negative test or vaccination to get access to the event, James was deemed to be in breach of the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols.

LeBron James has avoided suspension. (Picture: Ezra Shaw)

“It’s a violation of the agreed upon protocols, and, as we have in other comparable instances around the league, it has been addressed with the team,” an NBA spokesman told ESPN.

James will not face suspension however because the breach was not regarded as serious enough to risk spreading the virus.

According to NBA regulations, players found to have breached health and safety protocols can receive warnings, fines or suspensions depending on the seriousness of the breach.

James’ Lakers teammate Dennis Schroder was recently required to miss 10 days because of COVID-19 protocols.

NBA legend Charles Barkley poked fun at the league over the decision.

“The NBA ain’t got the balls to suspend LeBron James,” Barkley said. “If it was a nobody they would put him health and safety protocol. Ain’t no f***ing way LeBron James is going to be sat out … LeBron James is playing GUARANTEED.”

Lebron could crack open a can of sarin gas at staples and Adam Silver would fine him 5k and let him play

— jason c. (@netw3rk) May 22, 2021

James has been coy when asked if had been vaccinated, even if a potential decision not to could mean he misses playoff games.

“Anything I do off the floor is predicated to my family, for the majority — for 99.9 per cent of that,” James said.

“So it’s about the health and safety of my family, and that’s what it came down to.

“Me being available to my teammates on the floor is me taking care of my body. Me doing everything I can do to make sure I’m available both mentally, physically and spiritually, as well. But anything of that nature, that’s all family talk.”

Asked directly if he’d received the vaccine, James said: “It’s not a big deal.”

No league, no job and no school ever has the right to demand you take an experimental vaccine that is not FDA-approved and has no long term trials.

Lebron James is right to take a stand against Big Pharma.

This is an issue that needs to be brought before the Supreme Court.

— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 22, 2021

Lakers coach Frank Vogel recently revealed his team had not passed the 85 per cent vaccination threshold (15 of 17 players) the league requires to have COVID protocols loosened.

“We have not reached it yet, but we’re still hopeful,” Vogel said. “And I think there’s obvious benefits from the standpoint of us being able to do more things with each other in the cities that we’re going to. Something that’s been absent leaguewide in terms of team building and team bonding for all of us.

“It’s been a challenge. So if we’re able to reach that threshold then, obviously, we can do more.”

LeBron James and the Lakers are looking to go back-to-back (Picture: Kevork Djansezian)

— with AFP