Los Angeles Lakers big man JaVale McGee is one of the players with a preexisting condition for COVID-19. But he is not concerned about compromising his physical condition.
McGee suffers asthma, but he told Dan Woike and Tania Ganguli of the Los Angles Times he feels “comfortable” ahead of the NBA restart in Orlando:
“I’m definitely comfortable,” McGee said. “We’ve been away for a while now and we’ve been COVID-free for this long. I definitely think we’ll be OK as long as we take the necessary precautions.”
However, Woike and Ganguli also reported McGee might not have a choice in the matter.
The Lakers might choose to “protect” McGee as an at-risk player, which could potentially free up a roster spot and allow them to sign a player on the market:
According to people with knowledge of the situation and the NBA’s health and safety manual that The Times reviewed, Lakers doctors could “protect” McGee and any other players they deem to be at high risk. A week ago, players had to complete a three-page medical questionnaire and team doctors must evaluate them by Thursday.
Among the questions for players and traveling staff was whether or not the person has or had suffered from moderate to severe asthma.
McGee has been a vital presence for the Lakers this season.
The 32-year-old was averaging 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just under 17 minutes per game, giving the Lakers a reliable rim protector and rim runner at the center spot.
But teams heading to Orlando will also want to ensure player safety, especially considering cases of COVID-19 have skyrocketed in Orange County as of late.
As far as McGee is concerned, however, he is ready to help his team win an NBA title.