The NBA is fining Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis $50,000 for violating the league's COVID-19 protocol. The Dallas big man is reportedly being fined for going to a Los Angeles club but was still available for Dallas' Game 2 against the Clippers. Social media shortly sounded off after news broke of the fine due to Lakers' LeBron James previously not being punished by the league for also violating the health and safety protocol. The league later released a statement clarifying the decision in both cases, noting that "the facts" from James' situation "are very different" as the Lakers star "briefly attended an outdoor event" for a tequila brand just days before the play-in game against the Warriors and did not quarantine as reportedly everyone in attendance was vaccinated or had proven negative COVID tests.
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