LeBron James quickly changed his stance on the coronavirus outbreak, telling reporters he would “listen” should the NBA elect to bar fans from attending games.
James says he wasn’t aware the possibility was being discussed by the League.
The global health crisis hasn’t caused LeBron to alter any of his personal habits.
Per The LA Times:
LeBron James spoke to reporters in front of a Lakers backdrop, as he normally would, but this time there were ropes for reporters to stand behind. The ropes had been measured to be six feet away from where James was standing.
“So much safer. You guys are such a threat every time I come out,” a smiling James said facetiously. “No. No. I don’t even know who to … listen, I have no idea what happened with … I miss you guys being right here.”
What was clear during his news conference was that James isn’t concerned about his own health.
“It’s funny, because when I was asked the question of would you play without … fans, I had no idea that there was actually a conversation going on behind closed doors about the particular virus,” James said. “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. But at the same time, you’ve 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.”
