On Nov. 30, Los Angeles Lakers megastar LeBron James reportedly had a positive COVID-19 test. By Dec. 2, LBJ had cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols, allowing him to play in Dec. 3’s loss to the Clippers.
Even though he was able to return after missing just one game, King James is not happy with the league about their COVID-19 testing process. In a post-game interview with Lakers reporters, James mentioned being “confused, frustrated and angry”. He went on to add that he thought the league handled his positive test “very poorly.
LeBron James quick to point out NBA’s odd handling of COVID protocols
Here’s the full clip, so you can hear all of what James had to say.
Ironically, many have been upset with James for remaining silent when it comes to other world issues, yet he was quick to voice his displeasure here. Maybe because it’s something that directly affected him, instead of his fans. Or maybe he’s finally using his platform for something he believes in.
It’s appearing James may share more of a similar viewpoint to that of Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers when it comes to their coronavirus beliefs.
For James, he says what specifically frustrated him was the fact that he tested negative first, then was tested again and turned up positive and was immediately thrust into isolation, along with the NBA’s health and safety protocols. James mentioned how typically after a positive test, they will test again to ensure it wasn’t a fluke.
Unlike Rodgers earlier in the season who actually did contract COVID, James experienced zero symptoms and missed a game due to a false positive test. To that, James says he knows about the asymptomatic possibilities, but if “what I had was a positive COVID test, then what are we doing?”