The Los Angeles Lakers took another major hit on Tuesday with news that star forward LeBron James has entered the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols and will be out against the Sacramento Kings.
The 36-year-old LeBron James has missed half of the Lakers’ 22 games this season due to multiple injuries. He’s now likely facing a long-term absence after entering the aforementioned protocols.
As we saw with another star in Joel Embiid, this will lead to King James missing substantial action as his Lakers look to get back on track following an ugly 11-11 start to the 2021-22 campaign. James had noted in the past that he’s vaccinated for COVID-19, but break through cases have been detected throughout the Association this season. At the very least, James will miss 10 games if he did in fact test positive for the virus. We’ll have updates in that regard moving forward.
The Lakers have posted a 7-4 record in the 11 games James has played in this season. They are 4-7 when he’s sideliend.
As for the four-time NBA champion, he’s averaging 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists on 48% shooting thus far this season.
LeBron James COVID-19 protocols and vaccination status
James’ vaccination status came into question ahead of the start of the 2021-22 campaign. The future Hall of Famer did indicate that he’s received the shot(s), but provided a bit of a caveat.
“Everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family and things of that nature,” James told reporters back in late September. “I know that I was very skepticism (sic) about it all. But after doing my research and things of that nature, I felt like it was best suited for not only me but my family and my friends. That’s why I decided to do it.”
Outside of the on-court impact, we wish LeBron James the best if he did in fact contract COVID-19. Again, we’ll provide further updates once they become available.