The Lakers will have to play a long game without their best player – again.
Los Angeles announced on November 30 that LeBron James participated in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. The four-time MVP, who missed 11 of the Lakers’ first 22 games through multiple injuries and suspensions, is now expected to sit out a few more games, by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
What’s next for James? Here’s everything we know about his condition and the latest news on when he could return to court.
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Why is LeBron James involved in the NBA’s health and safety protocols?
James joined league health and safety protocols ahead of the November 30 game against the Lakers against the Kings because he tested positive for COVID-19, as reported by TMZ Sports. After Los Angeles’ 117-92 win over Sacramento, Lakers star Anthony Davis told reporters he spoke to James about his condition.
“[James] say he’s good,” Davis said. “I think he has no symptoms, which is a good sign, but we want to make sure he recovers. Health is most important. This is more important than basketball. He has We want to make sure he’s okay no matter what… Like I said, he seems fine.”
Before the start of the 2021-22 season, James made it public that he had been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, he hasn’t gone as far as to establish himself as a vaccine advocate.
“We’re talking about the bodies of individuals,” James said during the Lakers media day. “We’re not talking about something that’s political, racist or police brutality and things of that nature. We’re talking about people’s bodies and health. personally, I don’t feel that I should get involved in what other people should be doing for their body and livelihood.I’m going to talk to someone, should they take this job or not. Listen, you have to do what’s best for you and your family, if they should move you have to do what’s best for your family
“I know what I’ve done for me and my family. I know some of my friends and what they’ve done for their families. But about telling people and their personal and those what they want to do, I don’t feel like that – that’s not my job.”
THAN: Will the Lakers be using LeBron in the center position more often?
How long will LeBron James be out?
Lakers coach Frank Vogel said on November 30 that he hoped James’ absence was something “short-term,” but it was unclear how long he would be sidelined.
The NBA stipulates that a player who tests positive for COVID-19 must be absent from his team for a minimum of 10 days or until he returns two negative PCR tests in a 24-hour period. . If James is absent for 10 days, he will miss a total of five games.
“It wasn’t a shock to us. We were just saying we couldn’t rest,” Davis said. “We just brought the boys back, and then how many days off he was. We don’t know. It all depends on his situation. But you still have to find a way to win.”
Lakers upcoming schedule 2021-22
| Day | Protest | Time (ET) / Result | National Television |
| November 30 | at Kings | W, 117-92 | – |
| December 3 | compared to Clippers | 10 give me | ESPN |
| December 7 | versus the Celtics | 10 give me | TNT |
| December 9 | at Grizzlies | 8pm | – |
| December 10 | at Thunder | 8pm | – |
| December 12th | compared to magic | 9:30 pm | – |
| December 15th | at Mavericks | 7:30 pm | ESPN |
LeBron James stats for the 2021-22 season
- 25.8 points per game
- 5.2 rebounds per game
- 6.8 assists per game
- 1.8 steals per game
- 3.7 spins per game
- 36.9 minutes per game
- Shot 48.4 percent
- 34.4 percent shooting 3 points
- 75.5% free throws
