UPDATE (12/29/20):
It has now been announced by Jovan Buha of The Athletic that Alex Caruso will miss his second game in a row, as he is “out” for the Lakers’ game on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron James will be questionable in the game with his left ankle problem he is dealing with. Caruso’s absence was felt in the Lakers’ loss on Monday night against the Trail Blazers, and hopefully he can possibly return Friday against the Spurs to apply his defensive pressure to the likes of Dejounte Murray, DeMar DeRozan, and Patty Mills. It’s a little uncertain right now when he will return, as this absence is related to COVID-19 protocols instituted with the NBA (there’s no reason to believe he tested positive for the virus).
The Lakers are listing Alex Caruso (health and safety protocols) as out for tomorrow’s game vs. San Antonio. LeBron James (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 30, 2020
Original story:
Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso will not play in Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to NBA health and safety protocol, head coach Frank Vogel announced prior to the contest.
Frank Vogel says LeBron and AD will play, but that Caruso will sit tonight. Not because of his wrist, but he's out under the "health and safety protocols." He is not allowed to go into more detail than that.
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 29, 2020
According to Vogel, no other players or staff members are unavailable for Monday’s game.
It’s not immediately clear what triggered the health and safety protocol for Caruso. It could be the result of a positive COVID-19 test or potentially being exposed to someone else that has tested positive. Vogel and the Lakers have not said how long Caruso will remain out or if he will have to remain in isolation for an extended amount of time.
For privacy reasons, the team will not say whether or not the guard has tested positive. Caruso played in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis will play on Monday. Davis rested on Sunday due to a calf contusion. James tweaked his ankle which he originally hurt on opening night.
We will continue to monitor Caruso’s situation and provide updates if and when made available.
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