Across the nation, in states that are slowly (or, not so slowly) starting to reopen, NBA teams are throwing open the doors to their practice facilities for limited, social distancing workouts.
California is not a state reopening quickly, which led to questions about when the four NBA teams in the state — the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings — would be able to open their facilities. The four had spoken to the governor’s office about the situation, making the point that while they are technically a gym this is not like opening up the local 24-Hour Fitness.
It worked. The Lakers will open their facilities on Saturday, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic. Although, the Lakers will not have their facilities open seven days a week.
The Lakers will reopen their practice facility on Saturday, reports our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/tRBcQTsqhE
— Stadium (@Stadium) May 15, 2020
Expect the other California teams to follow suit quickly.
There are a lot of rules for teams to follow to open their facilities: Only four players can be in the building at a time, and only one shooting at each basket (one coach, one basket, two balls); players’ temperatures will be taken and they will answer questions about their health before they enter the building; the coach rebounding shots will have to wear a mask and gloves, and have on sterilized sneakers; the weight room will be reconfigured to create more space between equipment; meals will be individually packaged and not a buffet, and the list goes on and on.
Players have said it all feels a little strange, but it’s still good to get back in the facilities and get up some shots. It’s a step toward normalcy.
If the NBA restarts its season, teams will go through a roughly three-week training camp before games resume. That camp will take place inside the “bubble” location where players will live, eat, and work.