NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Set Time Frame For Reopening Of Practice Facility

The Los Angeles Lakers are inching closer to their return to organized basketball. A report on Thursday bared the team is leaning towards the reopening of its practice facility in less than two weeks as the players and staff brace for a possible resumption of the 2020 NBA season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium posted the recent development, unveiling the exact target date for the Lakers to finally unlock the doors of their training quarters.

“Date the Lakers are targeting as of now to reopen practice facility under NBA's protocols: May 16, sources tell The Athletic and Stadium,” Charania wrote. “Lakers are hopeful to open facility then — and will continue working with the appropriate government and health officials to ensure safety for players and staff during the fluid coronavirus situation.”

An earlier report from Dave McMenamin of ESPN revealed the Lakers were in close discussions with the Los Angeles local government as they attempted to secure an exemption to open the facility as early as before May 15 when the city’s shelter-at-home order is scheduled to be lifted.

“The Lakers have been in contact with the Los Angeles mayor’s office to discuss the possibility of opening their practice facility for players before the current shelter-at-home order for L.A. residents expires on May 15,” the report read.

Charania added that the “NBA has informed its 30 teams that practice facilities can open May 8 if market is no longer subject to restrictions.”

But while the fate of the season stays in the bubble, league executives and players continue their joint efforts in exploring ways to unravel the challenge caused by the Coronavirus crisis.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the Commissioner’s office and the Players Association will be hosting a call on Friday, which is “intended to be an open forum for players to address any concerns or ask any questions they have” regarding the present situation.

Besides the Lakers, the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly nearing their return to their respective facilities as well. Certain restrictions, however, such as limited supervision on workouts, will be implemented at each site.