The streak of NBA champions skipping a visit to the White House will continue, at least for now.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will not see President Biden when the team travels to Washington, DC, later this month to play a game against the Wizards, according to several reports, claiming the team has not ruled out a future visit.
The league’s COVID-19 protocols and lack of programming will prevent the team from visiting, ESPN and USA Today reported, as the Lakers play in Orlando on April 26 before their DC game on April 28. April, followed by a long flight back home game against Sacramento on April 30th.
Major sports league champions often try to visit the White House during the low season or during a road trip to Washington during the following season.
James’ Cavaliers were the last NBA championship team to visit the White House, participating in a ceremony with Barack Obama after winning in 2016. The Golden State Warriors, after winning both 2017 and 18, and the 2019 Toronto Raptors did not want to visit President Trump at the White House. Steph Curry said in September 2017 “that we don’t basically defend what our president has (the things he said and the things he didn’t say at the right time) that we won’t defend.”
Trump then rescinded an offer to visit the Warriors.
After the election of Biden in November, Warriors star Draymond Green wrote on Twitter: “Yoooo @ KingJames, you can all go to the White House and celebrate all your G titles.”
James replied, “YES, we are backing up there inside my G !!! I also bring my tequila and wine! ”
The Lakers, who won the 2020 title in October in the NBA’s Orlando bubble, have yet to hold a championship parade due to concerns about COVID-19.