The NBA might have something to do with some stars now coming up talking about taking the vaccine, but LeBron James isn’t one of them.
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Few of the NBA players are not ready to take the vaccine and even have arguments to support their ideas. Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Isaac are the few who have spoken up about their stance on vaccination.
LeBron James said he was “very skeptical” about the vaccines when they were first released. “I know what I did for me and my family,” he added. “I know what some of my friends did for their families, but as far as speaking for everybody and their individuality and things they want to do, that’s not my job.”
The league continues to have difficulty convincing current superstars to advocate for vaccines
Asked how important it was for the team to be fully vaccinated, James told reporters on Tuesday, “At the end of the day, you’re always trying to figure out ways to always be available and protect one another.”
Lakers coach Frank Vogel spoke about having a full squad, which was not the case last season.
“We’re proud of our guys for making that commitment. Hopefully we don’t have any disruptions like we did last year.” Frank Vogel on the #Lakers starting the season fully vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/wT1Gofupbu
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 28, 2021
“It’s huge,” said Vogel “Not every team in the league this year has that luxury, but we do. There were a lot of conversations along the way, and I’m super proud of our guys.”
The league is struggling to get LeBron or Giannis in for NBA’s vaccination PSA
Retired Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who took part in the NBA’s first vaccination PSA in January, in his email to Rolling Stone, seemed upset with stars in the league.
Way to go, LeBronhttps://t.co/gbqWMma2ZA
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) September 28, 2021
“They are failing to live up to the responsibilities that come with celebrity. Athletes are under no obligation to be spokespersons for the government, but this is a matter of public health,” said Abdul-Jabbar.
“By not encouraging their people to get the vaccine, they’re contributing to these deaths. I’m also concerned about how this perpetuates the stereotype of dumb jocks who are unable to look at the verified scientific evidence and reach a rational conclusion”