NBA Explains Why LeBron Wasn’t Fined Like Kristaps Porzingis

The NBA didn’t fine LeBron James for violating the health and safety protocols. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar broke the league protocols and fans started panicking. LA earned a spot in the playoffs, and they are playing against the Phoenix Suns. It was a minor suspension, but the king of basketball didn’t receive a suspension. The NBA discussed LeBron James’ violation and he wasn’t fined.

LeBron attended a promotional event for the tequila brand he supports. Drake and Michael B. Jordan were there, too.

What happened next? A few days later, the NBA fined Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis for violating protocols. The big man attended a Los Angeles strip club after Game 1 against the LA Clippers. He received a $50,000 fine.

So, what’s the difference? A lot of fans criticized the NBA for the approach. They didn’t fine LeBron. He didn’t miss games.

NBA makes big decision, LeBron wasn’t fined

The league decided to explain the difference between the cases. Shams Charania from The Athletic has the statement.

According to this statement, the four-time NBA champion “briefly” attended the outdoor event. Invitees had received their vaccines or showed negative COVID-19 tests. League officials explain that they review each violation and determine the next steps. LeBron evaded the fine.

“While we understand the inclination to compare this incident to protocol violations by other players, including LeBron James, those facts are very different. LeBron briefly attended an outdoor event related to an individual commercial activity where everyone was either required to be vaccinated or return a negative COVID test. The league reviews each potential protocol violation on a case-by-case basis, and determines quarantines and imposes discipline based on the individual facts and circumstances of each matter.”

LeBron attended an outdoor event and this helped him evade the fine. Porzingis went to a gentlemen’s club. There’s a major difference between both situations.

LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 1 of the series against Phoenix. They won the second game of the series and celebrated a 109-102 win. They have a 1-1 record at this point. Will AL win the next game?