Report: Some Members of Lakers Org. Expected to Get COVID-19 Vaccine This Week

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to join other NBA teams in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, members of the Lakers are expected to be vaccinated this week. 

The report noted HIPAA privacy laws prevent the Lakers from specifying which players or staff members will receive the vaccine.

The New Orleans Pelicans were the first NBA team to announce members of the organization received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

"The Pelicans support the state's vital efforts to encourage everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as large-scale vaccination of our community is the best way to keep everyone safe and to end the COVID-19 pandemic," the Pelicans said in a March 15 statement to Christopher Brito of CBS News.

Three days later, the Atlanta Hawks announced 36 members of the organization, including 14 players, received their first dose of the vaccine. 

Per Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, three Hawks players didn't receive the vaccine because they don't yet meet the eligibility requirements.

The Portland Trail Blazers said in a statement Monday that 13 players received their first inoculation.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters earlier this month the league won't mandate that anyone get the vaccine, but he expects "most players" will do so when they are eligible. 

President Joe Biden announced on March 11 that all adults will be eligible to begin receiving the vaccine no later than May 1.