Marcus Smart, 2 Lakers reportedly join growing list of NBA coronavirus cases
Two Los Angeles Lakers players have tested positive for coronavirus, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports.
The players have not identified themselves.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, JaVale McGee tested negative for the coronavirus on Thursday despite him having asthma and dealing with pneumonia last season.
The news arrives on a day that saw multiple NBA teams announce positive tests for COVID-19.
Celtics G Marcus Smart tests positive
Shortly after the Lakers news broke, the Boston Celtics announced that one of their players tested positive for COVID-19. Marcus Smart followed up that announcement with a Twitter post confirming that it was him.
I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
“I’m OK. I feel fine,” Smart said. “I don’t feel any of the symptoms. But I can’t stress enough practicing social distancing and really keeping yourself away from a large group of people. Just really washing your hands — and help protect yourself and help others by protecting yourself.”
76ers announce 3 cases
The Philadelphia 76ers announced earlier Thursday that multiple members of their organization including players, coaches and staff were tested, producing three positive results. The team did not designate who tested positive or what their roles with the team are.
The 76ers announced that the tests were administered under the advice of medical experts and the NBA.
Three members of the 76ers organization have tested positive for COVID-19. Team statement: pic.twitter.com/nJakgb8DSM
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) March 19, 2020
Nuggets announce positive test too
The Denver Nuggets also announced that a member of their organization tested positive for COVID-19.
Like the 76ers, the Nuggets declined to identify what role that person has with the team.
NBA bans players, staff from facilities
With more positive tests surfacing, the NBA sent a memo to teams on Thursday directing them to shutter practice facilities, according to the Associated Press. Previously, players were allowed to work out at training facilities under a “one player, one coach, one basket” rule, according to the report.
Now the doors are closed, and players will be required to work out on their own at home or in a private facility. The memo also reinforced the use of social distancing protocols and discouraged players from leaving home for anything other than essential activities like buying groceries.
NBA criticized for COVID-19 testing
The NBA has come under fire recently for using coronavirus tests as the general population struggles to gain access to testing amid the pandemic. Commissioner Adam Silver defended the league’s use of testing on Wednesday, telling ESPN that public health officials have advised testing in some cases.
Other coronavirus cases in NBA
The Lakers, 76ers and Nuggets are the latest teams to be stricken with the coronavirus. Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive, prompting the league to immediately suspend its season last Wednesday. His teammate Donovan Mitchell later tested positive.
[ Coronavirus: How the sports world is responding to the pandemic ]
Earlier this week, the Brooklyn Nets announced that four players had tested positive. Kevin Durant later identified himself as one of those players. The other three players did not identify themselves.
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Wednesday that nobody in their organization tested positive.
Silver confirmed on Wednesday that eight NBA teams had undergone coronavirus testing.
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