Fansided

LeBron James has no time for playing in empty arenas

By Matt Verderame

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James has said that if fans are shut out of arenas because of the coronavirus outbreak, he doesn’t plan on playing.

If the fans aren’t there, LeBron James doesn’t plan to be either.

Earlier this week, the NBA reportedly sent a memo to all clubs in preparation for the potential results of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. One of the consequences may be shutting out fans in arenas, playing with only stadium personnel, select coaches and full rosters in the building.

LeBron pushed back hard on the idea, telling reporters he won’t play if there aren’t fans in the seats: “If I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing.”

However, later in the week, as the epidemic continued to unfold, LeBron walked that statement back a bit. Per ESPN, he later told reporters, “They say no one could actually come to the game if they decide to go to that point, so I would be disappointed in that. But at the same time, you got to listen to the people that’s keeping a track on what’s going on. If they feel like it’s best for the safety of the players, the safety of the franchise, the safety of the league to mandate that, then we all listen to it.”

On its face, the notion of banning fans from the stadiums around the league seems far-fetched. However, the concern surrounding the coronavirus is growing. Fourteen deaths in the United States have been attributed to the pandemic, and while tests have been developed, they have yet to be put into widespread action across the country.

We’ve already seen other industries hit hard economically from the disease, including the entertainment space. This past week, South by Southwest was canceled in Austin, Texas, with the city declaring a local disaster. The original dates for the annual festival were March 16-22.

Should the NBA actually close the arenas, it is unknown when they would be reopened, and what would need to take place for the league to do so. The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.

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