NBA Star 'Disappointed' In LeBron James Over Latest Vaccination Comments

Enes Kanter "couldn't believe it" when LeBron James admitted he wouldn't be the NBA's poster boy for the Covid-19 vaccine.

NBA megastar LeBron recently confirmed that he was, in fact, fully jabbed but added that he wasn't going to encourage his fellow players to do that same, claiming it's "not my job".

While some people praised LeBron for getting vaccinated in the first place, others appeared divided over the idea that he didn't want to be an advocate for the jab - Kanter being one of them.

"When I heard it, I was very disappointed, and it's ridiculous," Kanter told CNN.

"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, sports fans - are just going out there and get this vaccine so we can save other lives'.

"When I heard that, I just couldn't believe it. But I hope he can educate himself about this vaccination and inspire and encourage other people around him."

PA

During the media day interview which Kanter is referring to, LeBron admitted that he was skeptical of the vaccine but decided to go ahead and get it after conducting his own research.

But when asked if he'd be pushing his teammates to do the same, he replied: "We're talking about individuals' bodies.

"We're not talking about something that's political or racism or police brutality, things of that nature. We're talking about people's bodies and wellbeing.

"So I don't feel like, for me personally, that I should get involved in what other people do for their bodies and their livelihoods."

With the new NBA season not too far away, there has been a push for the players to get vaccinated in order to comply with coronavirus regulations that differ from state-to-state.

In states like New York, a player won't be eligible to play if they're not fully vaccinated.

So for people like Kyrie Irving, who are seemingly against the jab, it means they could miss more than half the season.

Topics: Basketball, NBA, vaccine, lebron james, Australia, vaccination, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry