Since media day arrived in the NBA Monday, a hot talking point has been the vaccinated stance among the players.
With the coronavirus pandemic still going on, some cities like San Francisco and New York have made it a requirement to be vaccinated in order to attend indoor events.
That can affect the availability for players in those situations, as is the case with Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets, Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors and others.
With about 90% of the league reportedly vaccinated, the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams inching closer to being 100% fully vaccinated by opening night, according to general manager Rob Pelinka.
That number includes LeBron James, who made headlines in May when he wasn’t suspended for violating health and safety protocols when he attended an outdoor event for a sponsorship brand.
James previously didn’t reveal his vaccination status, but he did during media day Tuesday.
“I think when it comes down to it for me, I can speak about myself. I think everyone has their own choice to do what they feel like is right for themselves and their family and things of that nature. I know that I was very skeptical 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 for my family and friends, and that’s why I decided to do it,” James said. “But as far as, you guys should know me, anything that I talk about, I don’t talk about people and what they should do. I speak for me and for my family, and that’s what it’s about.”
James continued on why he doesn’t want to be a public advocate for other people to get the vaccine.
“We’re talking about individuals’ bodies. We’re not talking about something that’s political or racism or police brutality and things of that nature. We’re talking about like peoples’ bodies and well-being,” James said. “So, I don’t feel like, for me, personally, that I should get involved in what other people should do for their bodies and their livelihoods. It would be like me talking about somebody that they should take this job or not. You have to do what’s best for you and your family. I know what I did for me and my family. I know some of my friends and what they did for their families, but as far as speaking for everybody and their individualities and things that they want to do, I don’t feel like that’s my job.”
The Lakers are on pace to not have to worry about player setbacks due to health and safety protocols because of the team’s vaccination rate, which was an issue at times last season.
The main focus for the team will shift to lifting banner No. 18.
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