Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, placed in the NBA's health and safety protocol earlier this week after it was announced he had tested positive for COVID-19, has been cleared to return to action Friday.

• NBA: LeBron James out of Kings clash after entering COVID protocols

After registering multiple negative tests for the virus, James was given the OK to play. He missed the Lakers' game Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings because he was in COVID protocol.

"James was originally placed in the Protocols on Tuesday, November 30 after a series of tests delivered conflicting results, including an initial positive test that was collected on November 29," a statement from the NBA said Thursday. "Additional testing confirmed that he is not a positive case."

The Athletic on Thursday quoted sources as saying James has had several negative tests since he returned to Los Angeles from Sacramento on Tuesday evening. The initial positive test turned out to be inconclusive upon being re-run.

The Lakers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

In September, James said he received a vaccine for COVID despite being skeptical at first.

Vaccinated players still have to quarantine if they test positive, whether or not they show symptoms. Vaccinated players are not required to be quarantined for a close contact of a positive case, but they would then be tested for the coronavirus.

James has played in only 11 games this season due to an abdominal strain. He is averaging 25.8 points, 6.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds a game.

--Field Level Media

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