Marc Gasol returned to the field and after playing his first game in almost a month, revealed that he was infected with COVID-19, the reason for his absence from the Los Angeles Lakers on February 28, a period in which the Spaniards did not have a good time.
“The virus hit me hard. Between five and six days I was lying down, I couldn’t move too much. The worst symptoms were headaches and shortness of breath, “Gasol said after the Lakers’ 109-101 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.” That’s when I realized how hard it was and how it affected my body.
“Body aches, fever, chills, all of these are easy to manage, but the headaches and difficulty breathing were the worst symptoms. I also lost my (sense) of smell and taste. I am recovering them little by little “, he added.
Gasol missed nine games with Angelenos because of NBA safety protocols, which go into effect when a test is inconclusive, or because of possible close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
In the case of the Spaniards, the Lakers had not specified the case for which it had entered the protocol.
On his return, Gasol spoke about his experience with the virus.
“I was just thinking about my children and my wife. Basketball is currently in the back seat. (The game) is a risk that we all take “, said Gasol, who scored five points, recorded two rebounds and two assists in the 15 minutes he was on the floor. “I wear my mouth every day, I keep my distance, I do everything that is said and he still gave it to me. That’s what happens.
“We must be as responsible as possible. Nothing has changed in my perspective about the season or anything, we try to do everything possible. We hope that more and more people can be vaccinated and we will get out of this, “he added.
After his recovery, Gasol worked to regain his strength and fitness with medical staff and Lakers coaches. It is still under a minute restriction, but is expected to have more activity on Friday.
“Even though he made one of the two shots on the field, Marc was great. Its impact comes in many ways, its IQ, its physical presence, its defense. It was a good comeback for him. We’ll see how it feels in the next few hours, “said Lakers coach Frank Vogel.
Regarding vaccination, Gasol said he would not use his experience to convince anyone. At the moment, the Catalan has antibodies and, in this sense, is protected.
“(Vaccination) is a very personal decision. Each person will do their own research regarding the vaccine and will make their determinations “, indicated Gasol.
The return of the Spaniards is very helpful for some Lakers who are going through a difficult time due to the injuries of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The current NBA champions have lost four straight games after LeBron’s ankle injury.
Angelenos’ next engagement is this Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.