Marcus Smart among new NBA coronavirus cases involving Celtics, Lakers, 76ers
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday that two of their players have tested positive for the coronavirus, the first known cases involving NBA players in California.
The Lakers said team physicians and public health officials recommended testing because they recently played the Brooklyn Nets, who reported four coronavirus cases Tuesday. One of the Brooklyn players who tested positive was former MVP Kevin Durant.
The Lakers played the Nets on March 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The next day, the NBA announced it was suspending its season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert became the first NBA player diagnosed with COVID-19.
“We learned today that two Lakers players have tested positive,” the Lakers said in a written release. “Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician. All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health and maintain constant communication with the team.”
Also on Tuesday, three members of the Philadelphia 76ers organization and one player from the Boston Celtics tested positive for the coronavirus, the teams said. Celtics guard Marcus Smart later revealed he was the Boston player who contracted the virus, although he was not exhibiting symptoms.
“I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive,” Smart said on Twitter. “I’ve been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken (with) the highest of seriousness.”
Smart added the coronavirus is “a #1 priority” for health experts and “we must get more testing ASAP.”
“I’ve had no symptoms and I feel great,” Smart said. “But the younger generation in our country MUST self distance. This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while. Much love!!”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 7:00 PM.
