Some Los Angeles Lakers hope to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week, sources say

Members of the Los Angeles Lakers organization are expected to receive a vaccine against COVID-19 this week, sources told ESPN.

It was unclear which players or team members planned to receive the vaccine, as HIPAA regulations prevent anyone on the team from commenting on the situation.

The Pelicans of New Orleans, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat have acknowledged having received the vaccine.

The NBA did not require players or staff to be vaccinated, but encouraged them to do so as soon as they are eligible and indicated that it will relax health and safety protocols for those who are vaccinated.

After Tuesday’s loss to Pelicans, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said of the potential for team members to be vaccinated: “There have been conversations about trying to get it, but we haven’t gotten there yet.”

Dave McMenamin of ESPN contributed to this report.