LOS ANGELES – LeBron James will only have stayed away briefly, in connection with the NBA protocol regarding the pandemic.
After a game of absence, the league said on Thursday he can return to the game.
The NBA has said James did not contract the virus. He had had inconclusive tests earlier this week.
James will therefore be available Friday in Los Angeles, against the Clippers.
James’ team will be looking for a third straight win. As for the Clippers, they will want to avoid suffering a fourth setback in a row.
A sample from James tested positive on Monday. Upon retesting this sample, one positive and one negative result was found.
On Tuesday, further tests gave a negative result and an inconclusive, according to the NBA.
James said earlier this season that he was vaccinated.
A clearly positive result would probably have led to an absence of at least 10 days.
Including Tuesday in Sacramento, James missed 12 of his 23 games.
Injuries cost him 10 encounters. He also received a one-game suspension – his first such sanction in a 19-year career.
James has averaged 25.8 points per game this season.
