LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers continue to deal with health scares. This time around, it’s COVID that’s a matter of concern. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that James had violated league health and safety protocol earlier this week at a gathering for his tequila brand featuring stars like rapper Drake:
New story: The Lakers were notified by the NBA that LeBron James violated protocols by attending an event for his tequila brand earlier this week, a league spokesman told ESPN https://t.co/gBs8fZBfJo
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 22, 2021
This event seems to have been regulated with negative test results and mandatory vaccine proof. James has maintained that all COVID measures outside of the mask and social distancing be a family decision, but has declined to say whether he has been vaccinated or not.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, James will not be subject to quarantine or suspension because the NBA deemed that there was no threat of a virus spread.
Earlier this season, the Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. was fined, but not suspended, for violating the same protocols by going to a club along with teammate Sterling Brown. The NBA has not announced whether LeBron will also face a fine though it seems likely that they will keep this as quiet as possible given James’ star power.
Lakers guard Dennis Schröder was just forced to miss several games as part of the laague’s COVID safety protocols though he claims he never tested positive. The majority of Lakers players and staff seem to be vaccinated though head coach Frank Vogel informed the media that they have not reached the 85% threshold needed for some relaxed regulations.
The Lakers will be in action against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday to open their title defense. LeBron is expected to play.
