Report: Los Angeles Lakers Starter Hospitalized

The Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee ended up in a hospital due to pneumonia, as confirmed in a report by Chris Hayness of Yahoo Sports. The Lakers starter missed the past three matches due to his condition.

“Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee was hospitalized for three days because of pneumonia and was discharged Saturday, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The 11-year veteran was discharged from UCLA Medical Center after being admitted Thursday with a 104-degree fever following the Lakers’ return from a four-game road trip, sources said. He was monitored and tended to by the Lakers’ team doctor throughout his stay, sources said. The 7-footer will be with the team [Sunday night] when it hosts the Memphis Grizzlies, but he will not play and is expected to be day-to-day moving forward, sources said.

McGee, 30, has missed the Lakers’ past three games. He was initially out because of flu-like symptoms and then his status was updated to a respiratory infection Friday. When reached by phone Sunday morning, McGee confirmed his condition but refused to expound on the severity.” 

Pneumonia is serious, but McGee feels better now.

“I feel a little better. Surprisingly, I didn’t lose any weight. All I can do is get healthy and get back in shape as soon as possible so that I can contribute towards making us a playoff-contending team. This is such a great organization, and the way we’re battling and the way our young fellas are holding it down with the injuries we’ve endured is incredible. I’m proud of how we pulled off that game against New Orleans [on Friday]. I just can’t wait to get back,” he said.

The Laker hopes to be healthy and ready for the Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors.

“Of course, that’s the only thing, the only game I’ve been thinking about while being bedridden is the Christmas Day game. No offense to the other teams, but that’s really important to me. I’ve got to get better for that game. That’s the homecoming, the ring ceremony. It’s really important.”