Report: Lakers to skip White House visit on D.C. trip due to scheduling conflicts, COVID protocols

The Los Angeles Lakers will not visit the White House to celebrate their 2020 NBA title when the team travels to Washington D.C. for a game against the Wizards later this month, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Scheduling conflicts and COVID-19 protocols will prevent the Lakers from visiting President Joe Biden in the nation's capital. However, a future meet-and-greet has not been ruled out, McMenamin adds. 

No NBA team has commemorated its championship at the White House since 2016, when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were honored by former President Barack Obama before Donald Trump was inaugurated.

While Trump was in office, the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors refused to go to the White House. After Biden beat Trump in the November election, Warriors forward Draymond Green tweeted at James, saying he could go to the White House and celebrate the Lakers' title. James responded, "YO we back up in there my G!!! I'm taking my tequila and vino too!"

The Lakers haven't been able to enjoy the typical festivities that go along with winning a championship due to the ongoing pandemic. They couldn't have a parade and haven't unveiled their championship banner due to the absence of fans at Staples Center. 

With things trending in the right direction and the COVID-19 vaccine becoming more available, the Lakers should be able to celebrate at some point soon.