KEY POINTS

  • LeBron James shrugs off questions on the league's health and safety protocols
  • James is not allowing criticism to ruin his focus as the Lakers try to bounce back
  • The Suns are expected to go all out for Game 2 against the Lakers

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has been the talk of the town for the past few days.

But rather than engage and discuss those stuff, the four-time NBA champion prefers to focus on the task at hand--which is to help his team perform well in the playoffs.

One of the controversial headlines that hounded James was him violating the NBA’s health and safety protocols when he attended a launch party event that also had Drake and Michael B. Jordan.

The issue there stemmed from the fact that everyone in attendance needed to produce proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result.

When asked to comment on the issue, the 36-year-old simply responded by saying “I’ll be ready for Game 2.”

Aside from that, James hardly muttered anything else, a clear sign that he elects to block off the distractions.

Tied to that, the NBA explained why no sanctions were meted on James. In an official statement issued by spokesperson Mike Bass, it was determined after consultations that his attendance during the promotional event did not create risks.

“Under current NBA rules, vaccinated players are permitted to engage in outside activities including their individual commercial arrangements, such as sponsor appearances or ad shoots,” the NBA said in an official statement.

The Lakers dropped Game 1 of their first-round encounter with the Phoenix Suns, ironically a game where James drew flak in what most feels was a flop.

The incident happened in the fourth quarter after a missed free throw.

James got tangled with friend Chris Paul in that sequence with most left wondering how it all happened.

Beyond that scene, the situation escalated a bit when Alex Caruso and Montrezl Harrell of the Lakers as well as Cameron Payne got into a scuffle.

The incident added more color heading into Game 2 that is set for Tuesday, May 25 with tip-off at 10:00 p.m. E.T. at the Phoenix Suns Arena.

Per oddsmakers, Phoenix is the +110 underdog. Meanwhile, the Lakers pose as the -130 favorite.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Christian Petersen
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