Lakers Could Sign ‘Hardship’ Player After 3 Land in COVID Protocols

NBA teams face major challenge at the moment. There’s a surge in COVID cases and many players had to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols. The Los Angeles Lakers are without three players due to the virus. How will the Lakers front office handle the absence of players who have entered COVID protocols?

Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk tested positive for the virus and have to isolate from the team for 10 days. Players also have to provide two negative tests separated by 24 hours. Losing three key players is a big blow for the franchise.

Lakers have solution to the loss of players who entered COVID protocols

The first solution suggests signing a new player. These players will be offered a 10-day contract under a special exemption.” NBA teams can sign a 16th player in the absence of four players on the current roster.

The Lakers can get another player because they have three positive players and Kendrick Nunn who won’t return in the next couple of weeks.

NBA experts would agree that James Ennis makes a good option for the Lakers. They showed interest in the unsigned player and now he may get a chance to show off.

Fans will always remember Ennis’ effort to get a contract with the Lakers.

Lance Stephenson and Quinn Cook may get a chance to play, too.

Here’s an excerpt from the league’s constitution regarding hardship signings:

(A team) may substitute a Player in his stead after the following has occurred:

  • (a) each of the three (3) injured or ill Players and the additional injured or ill Player has missed a minimum of three (3) consecutive games due to injury or illness; and
  • (b) the Commissioner’s Office has determined, through an independent physician, if necessary, that at the time the replacement Player is signed, each of the three (3) injured or ill Players on the Member’s Active and/or Inactive List, and the additional injured or ill Player, will continue to be unable to perform playing services due to injury or illness.

The Commissioner, in his sole discretion, may permit a Member to replace additional injured or ill Players on that Member’s Active List or Inactive List.