Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and coach Frank Vogel have reached out to the mayor's office, inquiring about opening up the team's practice facility before the May 15 shelter-at-home order expires, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
The NBA plans to allow players to return to practice facilities in groups of four at a time starting on May 8, granted the corresponding state allows for it.
Cities like Miami and Atlanta will open back up soon, but awaiting L.A.'s order to expire could set the team back a full week in terms of scheduled practice time.
Pelinka and Vogel outlined the way they plan to get players into the facility, including the schedule, which is comprised of a 90-minute workout with select staff.
The Lakers plan to take precautionary measures like players having their temperatures taken in their cars once they arrive at the facility, as well as answering questions from a medical professional before they're allowed in the building.
Players will receive personal protective equipment and the team will have extra masks in case a player forgets one at home.
Hand-washing stations will be put in place. The weight room will be spaced out more to allow for separation between players. Meals will be given in individual containers rather than the customary buffet lineup.
While the rules will be rigid, the Lakers' current plan does not call for further testing of its players for the novel coronavirus. Two unknown players had previously tested positive, but every player has since been deemed symptom-free after a strict quarantine period.
LeBron James and the Lakers are itching to be able to play again. The club entered the NBA's hiatus period with the second-best record in the NBA at 49-14, which is just three games behind the Milwaukee Bucks.
Follow Us
Subscribe