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Why 2021 is probably LeBron James’ worst year yet: he was suspended, got a US$15,000 fine, had a public spat with Boston Celtics’ Enes Kanter Freedom … and then tested false positive for Covid-19

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James watches game action against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Photo: USA Today Sports

After a turbulent few weeks that have seen him suspended, fined and embroiled in a war of words with a rival, LeBron James tested positive for Covid-19.

According to TMZ, James tested positive for the virus on Tuesday using a lateral flow test. A follow-up PCR test to confirm the diagnosis came back negative, then a third test came back positive … but the most recent update from the NBA’s official website says “additional testing confirmed that he is not a positive case” and that James has been cleared to “play when the Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night”.

James is fully vaccinated and, according to The Los Angeles Times, was asymptomatic.

Did LeBron James get Covid-19? Photo: @kingjames/Instagram

The 36-year-old was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols and was expected to miss numerous games for the Los Angeles Lakers, the first of which was Tuesday’s 117-92 win over the Sacramento Kings.

According to NBA rules, a vaccinated player can return to action if he tests negative for the virus on consecutive tests 24 hours apart or if it’s been 10 days without symptoms.

“Obviously it’s a huge loss,” Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said before his side’s win over the Kings, according to Sky Sports. “It’s disappointing. We just want the best for him now. That’s where our thoughts are.”

Lakers forward Anthony Davis added: “He said he’s good. I think he’s asymptomatic, which is a good sign, but we want to make sure that he gets back.

“Health is most important. This is bigger than basketball. He has a family. We want to make sure that he’s good no matter what.”

It’s been a wild few weeks for the King …

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That public dispute

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Enes Kanter of the New York Knicks exchange words in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017, in New York City. Photo: AFP

In mid-November, James found himself engaged in a public dispute with Boston Celtics centre Enes Kanter Freedom.

Freedom had publicly called out James and Nike for their continued business in China and for failing to call out human rights abuses against the country’s Uygur population.

“Money over morals for the ‘King’,” Freedom tweeted on November 18. “Sad and disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice.”

James fired back at Freedom after the Lakers met the Celtics on November 20, telling reporters, according to SB Nation: “I think if you know me, I don’t really give too many people my energy. And he’s definitely not someone I will give my energy to. Trying to use my name to create an opportunity for himself.”

He earned his first suspension of his career. Photo: @kingjames/Instagram

“He’s always kind of had a word or two to say in my direction, and as men, really, if you had an issue with somebody you’d really come up to them. And he had his opportunity tonight. I saw him in the hallway and he walked right by me.”

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A suspension

Detroit Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart (Middle) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (Left) and guard Avery Bradley (Right) in the first half at Staples Center, November 2021. Photo: USA Today Sports

Soon after his spat with Freedom, James earned himself the first suspension of his NBA career.

James was banned for one match after striking Isaiah Stewart in the face while jostling for a rebound position during the Lakers win over the Detroit Pistons, with the hit leaving his opponent with blood pouring from his face.

James returned to action against the Indiana Pacers days later, but was again not far from controversy.

LeBron James in happier times. Photo: @kingjames/Instagram

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A hefty fine for viral video

On top of getting two heckling fans kicked out of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, he also celebrated scoring with a crude gesture known as the “big balls” dance – which earned him a US$15,000 fine.

He was also warned by the NBA for using profane language after using an expletive to reporters who asked about his one-game suspension.

This story originally appeared on Insider.
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  • After a series of Covid tests with contradictory results, LeBron James has been cleared to play on Friday night when the LA Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers
  • James recently had a public spat with the Celtics’ Enes Freedom, got suspended for striking the Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart, then fined US$15,000 for an offensive dance