LeBron James has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, resulting in his absence from the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. This development strongly suggests one of two possibilities: either James, who had confirmed his vaccination earlier this season, tested positive for COVID-19 or received an inconclusive result.
In the event of a positive test, James would likely face a minimum 10-day absence from the Lakers, pending two consecutive negative PCR tests within a 24-hour period. Coach Frank Vogel disclosed that the Lakers were informed of James’ situation on Tuesday morning and promptly arranged transportation to return him from Sacramento to Los Angeles. However, Vogel did not disclose whether James was displaying any symptoms.
The announcement of James’ absence coincided with the NBA’s reiterated recommendation, supported by the National Basketball Players Association, for vaccinated coaches and players to receive a booster shot promptly.
In a memo obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, the NBA informed its teams of 34 documented cases where fully vaccinated players, coaches, or staff members experienced breakthrough cases of COVID-19. The league has reported that approximately 97% of players are fully vaccinated, with Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets being one of the exceptions, having not played this season due to his vaccination status.