LeBron James isn’t taking well to the news that the NBA is telling teams to get ready to play future games without fans in attendance due to coronavirus concerns.
According to reports, LeBron says he won’t play if that’s the case.
via Complex:
“Play games without the fans?” LeBron told reporters following the Lakers’ victory over the Bucks. “No. That’s impossible. I ain’t playing.”
‘Bron went on to explain that his job as an athlete is to entertain. Showing up to an empty arena to play a game would take away some of the motivation he has to play at a high level.
“I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for,” LeBron continued. “I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. If I show up to an arena and there are no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”
While LeBron is more concerned with putting on a show for the fans and being a good teammate, coronavirus fears have affected other NBA players. Last week, the coronavirus hit the Northwest. The State of Washington has at least 12 reported cases and two deaths. It’s also crept into Oregon. The news has forced Portland guard, CJ McCollum to issue a statement explaining that he’s “taking a break” from interacting with fans to avoid contracting the illness.
Are you here for fan-less NBA games?
LeBron James addresses the #NBA issuing a memo on the possibility of playing games without fans in the arena.
“Play games without the fans? No, that’s impossible…I ain’t playing.” pic.twitter.com/CRVl9XVbMl
— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) March 7, 2020
