American National Basketball Association (NBA) club, Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed that two of their players tested positive for coronavirus, but the identities of both were not revealed.
Megasportsarena.com gathered that the urgency for the Lakers to be tested heightened when four members of Brooklyn Nets tested positive for coronavirus.
The Nets made the announcement on Tuesday of the four positive tests, with injured star Kevin Durant later revealing he is one of the players, after they played The Lakers in Los Angeles on March 10, one day before the NBA season was suspended due to the outbreak.
Three members of Philadelphia 76ers organisation have also tested positive for coronavirus, the team announced on Thursday, but the team did not disclose which individuals tested positive. The team said the individuals are in self-isolation.
There are now 10 confirmed positive tests for coronavirus among NBA players, but only five of those players have been identified: Durant, Utah Jazz All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Detroit Pistons’ Christian Wood and the Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart.
The Lakers were tested on Wednesday at their practice facility in El Segundo, California and, later same day, star forward, LeBron James recorded a video of himself in quarantine.
A media statement read in part: “We learned that two Lakers players have tested positive. Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician.
“All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team.”
The 76ers said they reported the information to local and state health officials, adding: “The health of our players, staff, fans and community is paramount, and we continue to be guided by medical experts at this time.
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the public health and medical communities for their tireless efforts during these challenging times, as well as to our fans and partners for their support.”
