Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James entered the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols and missed the team’s Tuesday night road game against the Sacramento Kings.
Talen Horton-Tucker started in James’ place.
Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel said pregame of James’ absence, “Obviously it’s a huge loss. It’s disappointing. We just want the best for him right now. That’s where our thoughts are. And we have a next-man-up mindset.”
Regarding how long James would be sidelined while in the protocols, Vogel said, “Hopefully this is something that’s short term. We'll see. ... We know he wants to be in there every night. More than anybody in the league, probably.”
In September, James said he received a vaccine for COVID-19 despite being skeptical at first.
Vaccinated players still have to quarantine if they test positive, whether or not they show symptoms. Vaccinated players are not required to be quarantined for a close contact of a positive case, but they would then be tested for the coronavirus.
James has played in only 11 games this season due to an abdominal strain. He has averaged 25.8 points and 6.8 assists.
