Lebron James says he's been vaccinated against COVID-19 after doing his 'research,' ending a long-running mystery about whether or not the superstar player has been jabbed.
James confirmed he'd had the shot during a Los Angeles Lakers' pre-season press conference on Tuesday.
'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 for my family and my friends,' the 36-year-old said.
He stopped short of endorsing the shots, calling them a matter of 'choice' and saying it's 'not [his] job' to promote them.
'We're talking about individuals' bodies,' he said.
'We're not talking about something that's political or racism or police brutality or things of that nature. We're talking about people's bodies and well-being, so I don't think that I should get involved in what other people should do for their bodies and their livelihoods.'
Lebron James, 36, confirmed his vaccination status at a LA Lakers press conference Tuesday
The superstar player, above in December 2020, stopped short of endorsing the vaccines
The National Basketball Association has no widespread vaccine mandate, but it requires shots for teams in New York City and San Francisco, which have mandates in place.
Sixty-four percent of the US population has at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
As of September 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that race or ethnicity was known for 59 percent of those who got at least one dose.
Among this group, 60 percent are white, 17 percent are Hispanic and only 10 percent are black, according to the Keiser Family Foundation, which noted that 'recent patterns suggest a narrowing of racial gaps in vaccinations at the national level.'
Black people make up 13.4 percent of the US population.
Asked how important it was for the team to be fully vaccinated, James said: 'At the end of the day, you’re always trying to figure out ways to always be available and protect one another.'
The Laker said getting vaccinated was the right choice 'for my family and my friends.' In May, the NBA decided not to suspend him after he attended a promotional event for a tequila brand
James's assertion on Tuesday ended a long-running mystery about the vaccine status of one of the NBA's most prolific players.
In March, he had avoided answering about if he was planning to get the coronavirus vaccine, saying in an interview that he'll 'keep that a private thing.'
James appeared wishy-washy about the COVID-19 jab as he gave a lengthy interview ahead of the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, after NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently announced
