Lakers superstar ”King” LeBron James must now return two negative COVID tests before being allowed back on the court. LeBron was ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday 30th November after entering the National Basketball Association’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols the team said.
It is still unclear whether he tested positive for the coronavirus or only came in close contact with somebody who had.
Vaccinated players still have to be quarantined if they test covid-19 positive, whether or not they are symptomatic. Vaccinated players are not required to be quarantined if they come into close contact with a positive case, but they would then be tested for the coronavirus.
In September, James said he received the covid-19 vaccine despite being skeptical about it at first. The Los Angeles Lakers star has to return two positive tests before being allowed to continue playing in the NBA. If he has tested positive, he might face up to 10 days on the sidelines according to US sports Media reports.
James and the rest of the Lakers roster were fully vaccinated before the start of the season in compliance with local restrictions in LA.
The four time MVP had earlier this year declined to say whether he would take the vaccine but in September said he had opted to take the vaccine in order to protect “me and my family”. However, James attracted criticism in the quarter when he said it was not his job to encourage other players to get vaccinated. “I don’t think I personally should get involved in what people should do with their bodies and livelihoods”, James said in September. “I know what I did for me and my family. I know what some of my friends did for their families. But as far as speaking for everybody and their individualities, and things they want to do, that’s not my job.”
LeBron James has played in only 11 games this season due to an abdominal strain. He has averaged 25.8 points and 6.8 assists for the Lakers (11-11).
