A few weeks ago, reigning NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers flirted with the possibility of reviving an old League tradition of visiting the White House for an official celebration with the President of the United States. But it seems that finally the situation experienced by COVID-19 will not make it possible.
The last champion team to visit the presidential home were the 2015-16 season champions Cleveland Cavaliers. The tradition had been suspended when Donald Trump came to power and took on much of the NBA world. Due to the great differences between the president and the main stars of North American basketball, neither the Golden State Warriors nor the Toronto Raptors had the intention of visiting the presidential compound; nor did Trump have an interest in receiving them.
With Trump’s departure from power, and the arrival of Democrat Joe Biden, it seemed that tradition would be reestablished. The opportunity suited those interested especially well; with LeBron James, declared a supporter of the Democratic Party, being part of the champion team that should visit Biden.
In two weeks the Lakers will be in Washington to face the Wizards, but will ultimately be unable to arrange a visit to the White House due to COVID-19 scheduling and protocol issues. As reported by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, It is not ruled out that a future event may be scheduled with the president, but it will not be the traditional visit to the White House organized when the champion travels to the capital.
The coronavirus has already thwarted the Lakers’ title celebrations beyond visiting the president. The traditional parade through Los Angeles was not held. And while the team handed out the rings to its players in this season’s opening game; The championship banner has yet to be revealed because fans just returned to Staples Center last Thursday. This ceremony is scheduled for May 12, the last regular season game for the Los Angeles team.
(Cover photo by Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)