FILE — Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Cameron Brate celebrates with teammates during the Super LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 7, 2021. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
WASHINGTON—The White House on Monday said President Joe Biden will invite the U.S. Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and last season’s NBA champions, the L.A. Lakers to the White House once it is safe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it dangerous to host large-scale events at the White House, such as the traditional visits by championship-winning sports teams.
FILE — LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP
Meanwhile, the Lakers said in early January they looked forward to visiting the White House once Biden took office after reigning basketball teams had skipped the ceremonial visits during the four years Biden’s predecessor, former President Donald Trump, held office.