NBA teams may soon be permitted to re-open their practice facilities if stay-at-home restrictions in their states are lifted or eased, and the Lakers are reportedly hoping to have access to their facility before the city of Los Angeles gives residents the green light to start returning to normal life.
Los Angles is currently under a shelter-at-home order until May 15, but ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that the Lakers have been in contact with the mayor’s office about potentially opening their practice facility to players before then. The NBA announced on Monday that it will begin allowing teams to re-open their facilities on May 8 if their respective cities and states allow it.
The Lakers reportedly organized a conference call on Monday to outline with players what safety measures will be taken when the team’s facility re-opens. The team has not made any recommendations to those living outside of LA about when they should return, and the workouts will be voluntary.
While McMenamin was told by sources that the Lakers are not currently planning to test players for illness going forward, players will have their temperatures taken as a precaution before they are allowed to enter the practice facility. Those working at the facility who come in contact with players will be required to wear a mask and gloves.
Other precautions will include spacing workout equipment further apart, scheduling workouts in groups of four or less, and changing the way meals are served in the players’ lounge. The team is considering conducting a dry run of what a typical day at the practice facility might look like before it actually opens, according to McMenamin.
The NBA issued some guidelines on Monday for how teams can safely reopen their facilities. There are reportedly some teams that are opposed to re-opening at this time even if the NBA and their states allow it, though it does not sound like the Lakers are among that group.
