LeBron James has been blasted over the years for speaking out frequently on an assortment of sociopolitical issues over the past decade. Now, King James is being slammed for keeping his mouth shut regarding vaccinations.
Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter called James out while appearing on CNN on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, because the Los Angeles Lakers superstar refused to persuade other players to get vaccinated.
James revealed during the Lakers pre-season press conference on Sept. 29, 2021, that he had been vaccinated for months after being initially skeptical of the antidote.
Kanter was troubled that James did not leverage his vast platform to implore other players to get the immunization when he did.
“When I heard it, I was very disappointed, and it’s ridiculous,” Kanter said.
“Obviously, LeBron James, he’s one of the faces of the league, and he should be the first one to go out there and say, ‘Listen, everyone. I got the vaccine, and I’m encouraging everyone — my community, everyone, basketball fans, non-basketball fans, and sports fans — [to go] out there and get this vaccine, so we can save other lives.'”
Kanter added, “But I hope he can educate himself about this vaccination and inspire and encourage other people around him.”
James and Kanter have a colorful history that goes back several years. LBJ and the Turkish-born center got into an on-court scuffle back in 2017. Kanter has also taken shots at James on Twitter on multiple occasions.
James has yet to respond to Kanter’s criticisms.
This latest slam will undoubtedly add some spice to an already juicy cross-country rivalry between the two most esteemed franchises in NBA history, the Lakers and the Celtics.
