LeBron James, Durant Slam NYC Vax Mandate: 'Makes Absolutely Zero Sense'

NBA stars Lebron James and Kevin Durant criticized New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private-sector employees that bars Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving from playing in home games.

"FACTS FACTS FACTS!! It literally makes ABSOLUTELY ZERO SENSE!!! They say if common sense was common then we'd all have it. Ain't that the truth," Los Angles Lakers star James said in a tweet on Sunday.

The comments by James came shortly after Irving was seen sitting courtside at the Nets vs. Knicks game on Sunday, despite the point guard being prohibited from playing in home games since he is unvaccinated.

In New York City, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for consumers was recently lifted amid decreasing virus case rates, but a vaccine mandate for private-sector employees remains in place. While Irving is not allowed to play home games for the Nets, he is allowed to practice with the team at their facility in Brooklyn. Other NBA players who are unvaccinated are also allowed to play games in New York City, but Irving is not.

In addition to James, Irving's teammate, Durant, also criticized the city's vaccine mandate after the point guard was seen courtside.

"It's ridiculous. I don't understand it at all," Durant said during a post-game press conference on Sunday. "It just feels like, at this point now, someone is trying to make a statement or point to flex their authority."

Durant also told New York City Mayor Eric Adams to "figure this out."

"We're all confused. Pretty much everybody in the world is confused at this point. Early on in the season, people didn't understand what was going on but now, it just looks stupid. Eric, you gotta figure this out," Durant said.

In late February, before the city's COVID-19 vaccine mandate was lifted Adams spoke about Irving's refusal to get a vaccine, which was stopped him from playing at home games.

During an interview with CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Adams said, "Listen, I want Kyrie on the court. I would do anything to get that ring. So badly, I want it. But there's so much at stake here. And I spoke with the owner of the team. We want to find a way to get Kyrie on the court, but this is a bigger issue."

"These are the rules and I have to follow the rules. If I don't, I'm going to open the door that's sending the wrong message to everyday employees," Adams added.

During a press conference on Sunday, a heckler interrupted Adams at a press conference saying "let Kyrie play."

In response, Adams said, "You're right sir...you're right. Kyrie can play tomorrow. Get vaccinated."

Newsweek reached out to Adams' office for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.