Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James joked around with Lakers reporters on Tuesday about the new media and locker room rules because of the coronavirus.
All NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open to only players and essential employees until further notice:
LeBron misses us pic.twitter.com/sCI6oUaVDU
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) March 10, 2020
The NBA has already sent multiple memos to teams to prepare contingency plans in case they need to play games without fans in attendance due to the ongoing coronavirus. Teams have also been asked to identify “essential staff” to be present for such games if the need arises. The Lakers star initially said he wouldn't want to play in games with no fans, but he has changed his tune.
Soccer and basketball games in Europe have been played without fans in recent days.
The NBA’s short-term recommendations to teams in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak including players utilizing fist-bumps over high-fives with fans and avoiding taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph.
Article Continues BelowFurthermore, there are larger concerns being addressed in NBA front offices and the league office. The possibility that pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events could become more limited in scope are a possibility.
Workouts and events could be canceled when the summer rolls around and the NBA Draft and Summer League start based on the possible escalation of the coronavirus. This is a very serious subject matter.
LeBron and the Lakers are back in action on Tuesday when they host the Brooklyn Nets. James will play despite dealing with some soreness in his left groin.
James is averaging 25.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.6 assists on the season. He’s shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.4 percent from the free-throw line.
The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference at 49-13.