“If LeBron James isn’t taking the vaccine, I won’t”: Lakers star is influencing NBA fans to take anti-vaxxer stances for Covid-19 vaccines

Anti-vaxxer logic has become all the more rampant since the arrival of Covid-19. LeBron James has fueled this narrative with his actions.

James was asked to clarify his stance on the Covid-19 vaccination program in January this year. His reply was as good as an admission that he wouldn’t be taking the vaccine. He’d basically replied by saying that it’s a personal matter and that he’d discuss it with his family.

This reply was looked at as highly suggestive of his hesitation at the prospect of the vaccine. People who support the vaccine have spoken unequivocally in its favor in public, whenever they’ve had the opportunity.

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The likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell have acted as community leaders by voluntarily taking the vaccines first. However, data reveals that black Americans are still taking fewer doses than the national average.

Much of this has to do with the systemic distrust that they still harbor with government-mandated medication. But there are people who are specifically against taking the Covid-19 vaccines because there’s no data on its long-term impact.

Conspiracy theories have consequentially run amok, and have claimed several converts and victims over the past 16 months. Systemic distrust is very high in a world where many people believe this virus was engineered by the Chinese government in conjunction with leaders of pharma corporations and Bill Gates to control world population.

A few fans of LeBron James tweet that they won’t be taking Covid-19 vaccines

Dennis Schroder unwittingly confirmed recently that LeBron hasn’t taken the vaccine yet. With this confirmation, a not-insignificant chunk of Twitter users are now beginning to question the vaccination drive.

Yes it is. Lebron can think for himself and not be a sheep. I never once called him the goat, but now my opinion has changed. Thank you LeBron.

— Nick (@Nick_173) May 3, 2021

The vaccine is supposedly only effective for 6 months, if you take care of your body and are cautious, there’s really no need for it. And Lebron is one of the worlds most fit. He really doesn’t need it.

— 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿 (@MindYourBitches) May 4, 2021

Lebron james has more training than a “regular” doctor, but he’s still not a vaccine expert.

And wtf is a regular doctor?

— Charles Jones (@charleswj81) May 4, 2021

if lebron james ain’t take the vaccine, i ain’t takin the vaccine either

— Gilbert Tapat (@ayeeegill) May 4, 2021

If Lebron ain’t getting the vaccine some must not be right

— Hoodwolf🐺 $haun (@KingggShaun) May 3, 2021

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These are just a few tweets found through a cursory glance of the search phrase ‘LeBron vaccine’ on Twitter. This is clear proof that James is actively affecting the nation’s chance at herd immunity.

It’s high time that James stopped distrusting a vaccine that 15 of his teammates have already had. If other reasons don’t appeal to him, surely the prospect of having a Covid-free arena full of basketball fans should work?