Mystery of Key Lakers COVID-19 Absence Grows Deeper

Alex Caruso last played against the Minnesota Timberwolves and had a slow start. In his 11 minutes on the basketball floor, Caruso had 7 points. Caruso has been out due to “health and safety protocols.” He will also miss Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. This was his third absence on the field. The Los Angeles Lakers may be dealing with a COVID-19 situation.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel didn’t say much about Caruso’s status. Staying out of the field because of “health and safety protocols” is related to the NBA’s 158-page document teams use to organize games in the middle of the pandemic.

We don’t really believe that Caruso has the virus. The league and players association announced that no players tested positive for coronavirus from Christmas Day through December 30. But, there are still cases of players in which the symptoms doesn’t show up until a few days after their test returns positive.

The Lakers have the same injury report for tomorrow as they did last game. pic.twitter.com/Wht868iDNl

— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) January 1, 2021

Lakers protect players from COVID-19

Players who sit because of safety protocols couls have been in contact with someone who tested positive. They should not visit bars, clubs or other similar entertainment venues. Going to public gyms and pools is not an option. Indoor gatherings of more than 15 individuals aren’t allowed.

The NBA can fine players, too. Houston Rockets star James Harden received a $50,000 fine for visiting a strip club last month.

It's never a dull moment when the Commissioner joins #TheJump. Adam Silver makes his first public comments on the James Harden fine, why the league didn't issue a suspension, and the postponement of the Rockets-Thunder game last night: pic.twitter.com/bdFpEI4b5H

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 24, 2020

Lakers head coach Vogel promised to stick by the NBA’s protocols. Players have to follow the rules. This is a really important season for the team.

“Everything we do at work, so to speak, in our travel party and everything is designed not only to keep us safe from the virus, but to protect us from quarantine situations. If we’re not following the protocols and a staff member is in close contact with someone, then they’re going to be subject to a potential close-contact quarantine. So that’s at work. So that’s why we feel like it’s safe to go through an NBA season the way we’re doing it.

“All these protocols are in place to keep everyone safe. So make sure we follow them, and the things that you have to think about is that’s not the only place people are. If any of us has a situation where a family member tests positive or something like that, we could all be subject to that type of close contact quarantine and but — in terms of what we’re doing at work, these protocols are designed to keep us safe.”