In an interview with CNN, Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter jumped on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James for refusing to become a public advocate for the coronavirus vaccine.
At the Lakers' 2021 Media Day, James said he has received the vaccine but wants to respect others' decisions on whether or not they choose to get it.
"I think everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family," James stated, according to USA Today's Mark Medina. "I know that I was very (skeptical) about it all, but after doing my research and things of that nature, I felt like it was best suited for not only me but my family and my friends, and that's why I decided to do it.
"We're talking about individuals' bodies," James said. "We're not talking about something that's political or racism or police brutality and things of that nature. We're talking about people's bodies and well-beings. I don't feel like, for me personally, that I should get involved in what people should do for their bodies and their livelihoods."
Kanter "couldn't believe" James wasn't using his platform to push the vaccine.
"When I heard it, I was very disappointed, and it's ridiculous," Kanter told CNN's, Pamela Brown.
"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 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," Kanter concluded.
~Ridiculous~@PamelaBrownCNN @CNN pic.twitter.com/9QniT4uj0i
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) October 3, 2021
The NBA itself won't require its players to be vaccinated. However, according to a recent ESPN report, as of Sept. 30, only 5% of the league's players were unvaccinated.
Players who are unvaccinated will be subject to stricter protocols which include daily testing. Players from teams who play in New York and San Fransico could miss their team's home games due to local vaccination mandates.
