LeBron James confirms he got vaccinated but won't call for others to do so: 'Not my job'
![LeBron James](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LC78XzTPsLbuHkDHCsji4K-415-80.jpg)
LeBron James confirmed he's been vaccinated against COVID-19, though that doesn't mean he'll be encouraging everyone else to do so.
During the team's media day on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers star said he's received a COVID-19 vaccine. James acknowledged he was previously "very" skeptical about getting vaccinated, but he said that after "doing my research," he determined "it was best suited for not only me, but for my family and for my friends."
But James was also asked if he feels compelled to send a clear message to Americans that they should get vaccinated, and he said he could only speak for himself, TMZ reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"I don't talk about other people and what they should do," he said. "I speak for me and for my family."
A reporter followed up by asking, "You don't think the issue is important enough for someone with your stature to speak out on it?" He again said he wouldn't do so.
"We're not talking about something that's political, or racism, or police brutality, or things of that nature," James said. "We're talking about people's bodies and wellbeings. So I don't feel like, for me personally, that I should get involved in what other people should do for their bodies and their livelihoods. … That's not my job."
Over 90 percent of NBA players have been vaccinated, The New York Times reports, though some like the Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving have declined to disclose their vaccination status. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, though, said he expects the entire team will be fully vaccinated for the start of the season.
Prior to James' comments on Tuesday, Slate's Ben Mathis-Lilley argued that the Lakers star should clearly endorse COVID-19 vaccination, writing that his "word goes a long way" and that "through his mere silence, he's creating the impression that he might be an anti-vax conspiracist himself."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
When families cross the aisle against presidential candidates
In The Spotlight Tim Walz's cousins, Donald Trump's niece and nephew, RFK Jr.'s siblings: When it comes to running for office, blood is not necessarily thicker than water
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Boeing's Starliner to come home empty
Speed Read Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore will return on a SpaceX spacecraft in February
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Hunter Biden pleads guilty to tax charges
Speed Read In an unexpected move, President Joe Biden's son pleads guilty to tax fraud and avoids a trial
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published