LeBron James won’t play without fans

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had made it clear to reporters that he won’t play matches if there are no fans in the crowd.

The NBA had given a memo saying teams should be prepared to play without fans and media due to the Coronavirus outbreak in USA, but the LA Lakers star didn’t buy the idea as he “plays for his fans”.

LeBron James responded to reporters after their victory over Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night: “We play games without the fans? No, that’s impossible, I play for my team-mates, I play for the fans, that’s what it’s all about.

“I ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd – that’s who I play for. If I turn up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there I ain’t playing.

The NBA had sent a memo on Friday to teams detailing the potential actions to take if they are required to play without the fans or media, but only essential team staffs.

The memo also advise teams to identify people who would be necessary in conducting games and be able to communicate with corporate partners and ticket holders.

These measures were set by the league in order to reduce the risk of players and staffs contracting the virus.