LeBron James Faces Potentially Lengthy Covid-19 Absence
LeBron James is expected to miss several games due to entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols regarding Covid-19.
Whether LeBron James tested positive for the virus was not disclosed. What we do know is that he had to be sent back to L.A prior to Tuesday’s 117-92 win over the Sacramento Kings.
For the league to take this action, it means that LeBron James has either tested positive or produced an inconclusive test.
Unless he can produce two negative PCR tests within 24 hours, he will be out for 10 games. That’s assuming he doesn’t have to deal with the effects of having Covid-19, which would keep him out for longer.
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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was absent for three weeks after testing positive for the virus. If James is out for a similar timeframe, it would be a blow to the Lakers. He has already missed 12 of their 23 games so far this season.
With him in the team, the Lakers are 7-4. Without him, they are 5-7.
LeBron is the 17th player to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols since the start of the season. An NBA memo on Tuesday revealed that 34 fully-vaccinated players and staffers have tested positive for Covid-19 this season. In spite of high-profile opponents to the vaccine like Kyrie Irving, the majority of league personnel are vaccinated, at a rate of 97%
Read: Blake Griffin Faces Fight To Win Nets Place Back
Anthony Davis’ comments after the Sacramento game seemed to suggest that James had indeed returned a positive test.
“He said he’s good. I think he’s asymptomatic, which is a good sign, but we want to make sure that he gets back.
“Health is most important. This is bigger than basketball. He has a family. We want to make sure that he’s good no matter what.”
