LeBron: Getting vaccinated was best choice for me and my family, friends

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James disclosed Tuesday that he has been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The 36-year-old admitted he initially had reservations about the vaccine, but he suggested that the well-being of the people closest to him played a role in his decision.

"I think everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family," James said at Lakers media day, courtesy of Mark Medina of USA Today. He added, "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."

The four-time MVP was asked in March if he was planning to get the vaccine and said it was a private matter that he would discuss with his family.

James said Tuesday that he doesn't feel comfortable trying to convince people to receive the vaccine.

"We're talking about individuals' bodies," he 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."

The NBA says it proposed a vaccine mandate for players this season but the union wouldn't agree, league spokesperson Mike Bass told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said Thursday that the team's entire roster will be fully vaccinated by the season's Oct. 19 start date, according to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com.