LeBron James enters NBA's health and safety protocols, out Tuesday vs. Kings

LeBron James missed the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, and could potentially miss more.

The superstar entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, the Lakers confirmed by retweeting their own reporter Mike Trudell.

An NBA player enters COVID-19 protocols after either testing positive for the virus or being flagged in contact tracing of an infected person while unvaccinated. The Lakers did not specify why James, who has said he is vaccinated, has been sidelined.

How long will LeBron James be out?

If James did test positive, he would have to miss a minimum of 10 days since his first positive test and return at least two negative tests 24 hours apart. Charania has reported that to be the case, while ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that James will have to miss several games.

A full 10 days out would mean missing not only Tuesday's game against the Kings, but the Lakers' games on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, next Tuesday against the Boston Celtics and next Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

James had already missed 11 out of the Lakers' 22 games this season due to ankle and abdominal injuries. The Lakers are 7-4 with him and 4-7 without him. So far this season, he is averaging 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48.4% from the field.

Anthony Davis says LeBron James is asymptomatic

After the Lakers' 117-92 win over the Kings, Lakers teammate Anthony Davis said that he talked to James earlier Tuesday and James said he was "asymptomatic."

Lakers coach Frank Vogel said prior to the game the team arranged transportation for James to return to Los Angeles.