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Sports News of Saturday, 7 March 2020

Source: Daily Star

Coronavirus: I ain't playing without the fans watching - LeBron James

LeBron James LeBron James

NBA star, LeBron James has made a stand against the NBA's plan to conduct basketball games behind closed doors because of coronavirus.

The LA Lakers ballers kicked against the NBA's idea, insisting that he would rather have fans in attendance than play behind closed doors.

Prior to that, the NBA has told teams to prepare to play games without fans due to the coronavirus outbreak

NBA insider Shams Charania claimed: "The NBA has sent a memo to its franchises explaining that, due to coronavirus outbreak, teams should be preparing to play games without fans in attendance and identifying “essential staff” present for these games - should it be necessary."

And speaking after James guided the Lakers to a 113-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the 35-year-old made it clear he would refuse to play if such plans were put into place.

“We play games without the fans? No, it’s not possible,” he said.

“I ain’t playing. Any other fans in the crowd, that’s who I play for.

“Play for my team-mates, I play for the fans, that’s what it’s all about.

“If I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans there I ain’t playing so they can do what they want to do.”

America currently has more than 300 confirmed infections of coronavirus with 17 resulting in death.

Italy has been one of the countries hardest hit by the virus that has also had a significant impact on sporting events.

Fans have been banned from all sporting events in Italy until April 3, while Serie A matches, as well as the Six Nations clashes, have been moved.

Daily Star