LeBron James says joy and excitement can't exist in sport without fans

As number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in USA, NBA suspension is most likely to be pushed forward to June. Most NBA players have self-isolated mselves, waiting for league’s return while updating fans about ir daily routine. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who has been more active on social media since NBA suspension, recently appeared on Ro Trippin podcast, where he spoke about various issues surrounding NBA and coronavirus outbreak.

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Ro Trippin podcast: LeBron James on coronavirus and NBA suspension

Hosted by former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye and Lakers host Allie Clifton, LeBron James gave his opinion on various COVID-19-related NBA issues while on podcast on Thursday (Friday IST). James discussed various topics during podcast, including his 2021 film Jam 2 and t high-fiving anyone ever again. His main concern, however, was playing NBA games without fans.

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Ro Trippin podcast: LeBron James on coronavirus and playing without fans

LeBron James delved on word ‘sport’ without word ‘fan’ to d to it. He believes that without fans, re is excitement, crying, joy and back-and-forth for m to play any game. For James, fans are why it is fun to play on ro and ‘dethrone’ a home team. Fans are also responsible for bringing out competitive side in players, especially during hostile environment while on ro, said Lakers star. While LeBron James is more than rey to go back and play on court, he is aware that it will be a weird dynamic without fans to cheer m on.

Ro Trippin Podcast: LeBron James on coronavirus and his upcoming movie Jam 2

When asked about Jam 2, James revealed that his film will be released next May as per schedule. y are currently working on animation, which is why staying indoors has been good for ir film. James ded that he wishes he could release Jam 2 right w and give people something to do while at home. y even discussed Lakers keeping in touch via a text chain, and are always aware where everyone is. 

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LeBron James on coronavirus: When will NBA resume?

As Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended everyone to avoid a garing of 50 or more people for at least two months, NBA return has w been pushed to mid-June. NBA commissioner am Silver also hinted at tritional NBA season being altered and running from December-August inste of usual October-June. During Ro Trippin podcast, LeBron James also spoke about NBA resuming its season. Though season needs to be resumed soon, James believes directly jumping into playoffs will discredit everyone’s hard work for 60 plus games. Before NBA was suspended on March 11, Lakers were leing Western Conference with a 49-14 win-loss record, while James was alrey in contention for a third NBA MVP award.

NBA players with coronavirus

Currently, re are 10 NBA players with coronavirus. On March 11, Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert became first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19. A day later, Dovan Mitchell and Detroit Pistons' Christian Wood also tested positive for virus. Last week, Kevin Durant, three or Brooklyn Nets players, two Lakers players and Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart were also confirmed to have been infected. 

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