LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers played preseason game No. 2 on Sunday night, taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in the city they both share. Noticeably absent in the game and on the bench was backup point guard Reggie Jackson, as well as newly hired assistant coach Chauncey Billups.

The Clippers wouldn't specify the reason for their absences, but both members have been excused under the NBA's health and safety protocols.

“All teams are going through the same thing,” Tyronn Lue said after the game about the NBA's current protocols for keeping everyone as safe as possible. “We just got to follow protocol as best as we can and we have to adapt, I keep saying it all season. We got to adapt, just like everyone else, and so we're gonna follow the protocols and you know what we're supposed to do. And you can do that and it can still happen, so we just want to continue to do what we've been doing and continue to keep building, growing as a team.”

When asked if he knew how long the team would be without both Billups and Jackson, Lue was pretty blunt.

“No.”

At this time, it's unclear what the two may be dealing with, but speculation is sure to run wild.

Just prior to the NBA's return in July, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, and another member of the Clippers tested positive for COVID-19. Both Shamet and Zubac were forced to miss time, arrived to the NBA's bubble late, and spent time playing catch-up as the regular season continued.

Reggie Jackson was re-signed by the Clippers on Dec. 1, just one day before the start of individual workouts in Los Angeles. Jackson, who signed with the Clippers after reaching a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons, averaged 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 21.3 minutes of action per game.

Chauncey Billups joined the Clippers last season as a color commentator, but took on the role of assistant coach with the new staff brought on by new head coach Tyronn Lue. Billups would often take notes during his year broadcasting, and he will serve as a mentor for a lot of the guards on the team and be another mind for Lue to pick throughout the season.

The Clippers' final preseason game of the season will be Thursday night when they host the Utah Jazz. After that, LA will officially start the regular season against the Lakers on Dec. 22.