The NBA has sent a memo to every franchise asking them to be prepared to play games without any fans. This comes after the coronavirus outbreak, which has led to cancel several events around the world.
NBA has been sending several informational memos to teams in order to prepare for whatever develops from coronavirus situation. A reminder of existing rules regarding postponement or cancellations of games was provided Friday night. https://t.co/17ac6wSiDt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2020
Playing behind closed doors has been the most common decision for several organizations around the globe and the NBA could do the same shortly. However, not everybody is happy with this possibility, including the Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
"If I show up to an arena and there ain't no fans in there, I ain't playing."
LeBron on possibly playing NBA games without any fans in attendance due to coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/Ee5XMQ40X6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 7, 2020
“We play games without the fans?” James said following the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. “Nah, it’s impossible.”
“I ain’t playing,” LeBron added. “I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. If I show up to an arena and there are no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”
The NBA isn’t planning to postpone or play any closed-door games imminently, but they made clear that any decision regarding a potential cancelation of a game doesn’t necessarily have to come from the league office.
Moreover, according to USA Today Sports, several league executives revealed they have considered playing behind closed doors as their last resource.
There is growing concern about coronavirus around the league. Even though it’s not that big right now, the NBA and all the 30 teams are ready to do whatever it takes to protect their players and fans.
