LeBron James ‘Plays For The Fans’, But Will Listen To Experts

LeBron James has backtracked on his comments regarding the potential of behind-closed-doors NBA games as a result of the coronavirus.

LeBron James had previously said that if there were no fans at the game, he would refuse to play. However, that was last Friday and since, precautionary measures have ramped up worldwide, including sports events being restricted or cancelled. 

NBA games without the fans seems inevitable at this point, if they games aren’t postponed altogether. LeBron James said that he would be disappointed by this, but that players have to listen to the experts. 

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“Well it’s funny, because when I was asked the question of would you play without no fans, I had no idea that there was actually a conversation going behind closed doors about the particular virus,” James said Tuesday. 

“Obviously, I would be very disappointed not having the fans, because that is what I play for — I play for my family, I play for my fans.

“They say no one could actually come to the game if they decide to go to that point, so I would be disappointed in that,” James said. 

“But at the same time, you got to listen to the people that’s keeping a track on what’s going on. If they feel like it’s best for the safety of the players, the safety of the franchise, the safety of the league to mandate that, then we all listen to it.”

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LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has another idea – that the fans decide whether or not to attend the games.

“I’m not sure, I’ve never done it. It will probably feel like a closed scrimmage,” Leonard said. 

“I’m not sure how the feel will be. It will be very different if it does come to that. Hopefully the fans aren’t mad or whatever. So it’s up to them, I think we should just leave it up to the fans if they want to come to the games or not.”