LeBron James violates COVID-19 protocols, won’t miss time vs. Suns

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was found to have violated the NBA’s health and safety protocols this week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Earlier this week, before the Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, James attended a promotional event for a tequila brand that he has partnered with.

Attendees of the outdoor photo shoot had to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test result in order to get in to the event.

The NBA determined that James still broke league protocol even with the measures taken at the event.

“It’s a violation of the agreed upon protocols, and, as we have in other comparable instances around the league, it has been addressed with the team,” a league spokesman told ESPN on Friday.

Despite breaking league protocols, James won’t be suspended and will not miss any time vs. the Phoenix Suns as the nature of the promotional event didn’t rise to a threat level of virus spread, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As stated by league protocols, players who fail to comply with rules are subject to warnings, fines or suspensions. Players who continue break the rules could be subject to more severe discipline.

The Suns are set to host the Lakers in round 1 of the NBA playoffs.

Game 1 will be at Phoenix Suns Arena on Sunday, tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on ABC and 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Follow @AZSports