Some Los Angeles Lakers expected to get COVID-19 vaccine this week, sources say

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

It was not clear which players or staffers were planning to receive the vaccine as HIPAA regulations preclude anyone from the team from commenting on the situation.

The New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat have previously acknowledged receiving the vaccine.

The NBA has not required players or staffers to be vaccinated, but has encouraged them to do so once they are eligible and indicated it will relax health and safety protocols for those who are vaccinated.

After Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said of the potential of members of the team being vaccinated, “there’s been some talk about trying to get it, but we’re not there yet.”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.