LeBron James Backpedals on Comments he made about NBA Coronavirus Idea
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LeBron James has backpedaled on his refusal to play unless fans are present.
The Lakers star's change of heart comes after he reacted negatively to the idea of playing games in empty arenas to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. "I ain't playing if I ain't got the fans in the crowd," James said Friday when asked about the idea that's being tossed around by NBA execs. "That's who I play for. I play for my teammates, and I play for the fans. That's what it's all about. So if I show up to an arena and there ain't no fans in there, I ain't playing."
Defending his comments on Tuesday, James said he had "no idea" the NBA was actually considering games without fans. "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," James said. "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."
