A new report indicates that players on the Los Angeles Lakers were administered quick tests in their cars to check for the coronavirus, with members of the team’s coaching and training staff not afforded that same opportunity.
The Lakers administered testing to players only – not coaches/trainers – today, sources told ESPN. Players arrived at the test site and never left their cars during the procedure, which took a matter of minutes, involving a Q-tip being placed up their nostril to secure a culture
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 18, 2020
Such tests are necessary due to the highly infectious nature of the virus, with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert’s positive diagnosis last week resulting in a complete shutdown of league play.
That March 11 move by the NBA led to a flood of other sports either canceling or postponing their events, with no indication as to whether the league will even resume play this season.
At the time of the shutdown, the Lakers had the best record in the NBA’s Western Conference at 49-14, with the team’s first playoff berth in seven years a certainty. Having the conference’s best record also potentially gives the Lakers home-court advantage in any playoff series leading up to the finals.
The need for testing of any individuals who might be infected with the virus has been a source of controversy in recent weeks. That’s because of both a lack of testing kits and the seemingly easy access given to professional athletes.
The hope is that those tests will also be made available to key team personnel in order to eliminate any concern on the part of those individuals.
