Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James found himself in hot water recently after he attended a promotional event for tequila brand, Lobos 1707. He was spotted with several high-profile celebrities like music artist Drake and actor Michael B. Jordan, but what created controversy was the fact that those who were in the even were mask-less.

While the event reportedly required attendees to show a proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result, it sparked debate whether LeBron should be in the health and safety protocols of the NBA because of the violation.

The NBA only added fuel to the fire when a league spokesperson revealed they reached out to the Lakers for what was a clear “violation of the agreed upon protocol.”

Now, it seems the NBA is taking a step back from the previous statement in a press release clarifying why LeBron was not put into the health and safety protocol like several players before him. According to the statement from NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass, the attendance of the Lakers forward in the event was determined not to “create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine was necessary.”

The NBA statement also seems to imply that LeBron has been vaccinated, noting that “vaccinated players are permitted to engage in outside activities including their individual commercial arrangements.” Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports! said so as well in a follow up tweet.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
LeBron James wears Deion Sanders' Nike LeBron 21 during NBA Playoffs

Dominik Zawartko ·

Dwight Howard (2024 image, wearing normal clothes) in middle. Lakers' LeBron James on left shooting a basketball, Bulls' Michael Jordan on right shooting a basketball.

Joey Mistretta ·

Michael Porter Jr. saying "the brooms are coming" with purple devil emoji

Joshua Valdez ·

LeBron James has remained mum about his vaccination status, though, recently saying that his priority has always been protecting his family and that his vaccination is not a big deal.

LeBron is yet to comment on the NBA's latest statement, but more talks are expected to come in light of the recent development. After all, it could raise questions why the NBA declared LeBron's act as a violation of protocol if an investigation or review have not yet been conducted, only to retract it later on.