LeBron James Says Reports Of NBA Execs, Agents Wanting To Cancel Season Are ‘Absolutely Not True’

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said that “reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel” the NBA season are “absolutely not true.”

James responded to reports that surfaced on Thursday, April 30 that NBA executives and agents wanted the league to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Saw some reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel season??? That’s absolutely not true. Nobody I know saying anything like that,” tweeted James. “As soon as it’s safe we would like to finish our season. I’m ready and our team is ready.  Nobody should be canceling anything.”

Saw some reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel season??? That’s absolutely not true. Nobody I know saying anything like that. As soon as it’s safe we would like to finish our season. I’m ready and our team is ready. Nobody should be canceling anything. 👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 30, 2020

“NBA team executives and players’ agents spoke to CNBC in recent weeks about the challenges in resuming play,” wrote CNBC’s Jabari Young. “They said team owners are concerned with liability issues and are conflicted about whether or not to give up on the current season. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity as they aren’t authorized to discuss league matters publicly.

The NBA suspended play of its 2019-20 season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

“The NBA is suspending play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic,” the league said in a statement.

Breaking News: The NBA has suspended the season. Details below pic.twitter.com/6lAcBT0VQV

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 12, 2020

Recently, reports emerged that the NBA was pushing to allow the teams in cities with looser stay-at-home orders to reopen facilities.

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing [email protected].
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at [email protected].