LeBron James was sidelined by the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols & , as a result, missed Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings, a team spokesman confirmed to CNN.
It is not clear whether James tested positive for Covid-19 or whether he had come into close contact with someone who had infected him.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has said that the team arranged transportation to bring James back to Los Angeles safely.
"Obviously, it's a huge loss," Vogel said ahead of Tuesday's game in Sacramento. "It's disappointing. We just want the best for him."
In September, James has said that he received the vaccine despite being skeptical at first.
"Everybody has their own choice of what feels right for themselves & their families and things of that nature," James told reporters in late September.
"I know I was very skeptical about it. But after doing my research & doing things of that nature, I figured it was the best fit not only for me, but for my family or my friends. So I tried it decided to do."
It is unclear how long James will remain on the sidelines. However, the Lakers made up for his absence to beat the Kings 117–92.
James has appeared in only half of his team's 22 appearances this season, after suffering a stomach injury & serving a one-game suspension.
The superstar was also fined $15,000 by the league after making "an obscene gesture on the playing court" in Thursday's overtime win over the Indiana Pacers.
James is not the only player to be affected by NBA protocol. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid returned to the court Saturday night after being forced to miss 9 games due to a positive Covid-19 result.