Marc Gasol returned to the staves and after playing his first game in nearly a month, revealed that he contracted COVID-19, due to his absence from the Los Angeles Lakers since Feb. 28, when ‘Spanish didn’t have a great time.
“I was hit hard by the virus. Between five and six days I was lying down, I couldn’t move much. The worst symptoms were headaches and difficulty breathing,” Gasol said after the defeat of Lakers by 109-101 Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. “That’s when I realized how hard it is and how it impacted my body.
“Body aches, fever, chills, all of this is manageable, but the headaches and difficulty breathing were the worst symptoms. I also lost my (sense of smell) and taste. I’m recovering from them. little by little, ”he added.
Gasol missed nine games with the Angels by NBA safety protocols, which go into effect when a test is unfinished or by possible close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
In the case of the Spaniard, the Lakers had not specified which case for which he had entered the protocol.
Upon his return, Gasol spoke about his experience with the virus.
“I was just thinking about my kids and my wife. Basketball is going into the background right now. (Playing) is a risk we all take,” said Gasol, who scored five points, recorded two rebounds and two assists in the 15 minutes he was in the hurt. “I use it covers my mouth every day, I keep my distance, I do everything that is said and it still gave me.
“We have to be as responsible as possible. Nothing has changed from my perspective in the season or anything, we are trying to do the best we can. I hope more and more people can get vaccinated and we will get out of that.” , he added.
After recovering, Gasol worked to regain strength and fitness with the Lakers’ medical staff and trainers. It is still in restricted minutes, but expects to have more activity on Friday.
“Even though he hit one of two field goals, Marc was great. His impact comes in many forms, his IQ, his physical presence, his defense. It was a good return for him. We’ll see how it feels in the next few hours, “said Lakers coach Frank Vogel.
As for vaccination, Gasol said he would not use his experience to persuade anyone. At the moment, Catalan has antibodies and in this sense, it is protected.
“(Vaccinating) is a very personal decision. Everyone will do their own research on the vaccine and make their own decisions,” Gasol said.
The return of the Spaniard is very helpful for the Lakers who are going through a difficult time due to injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The current NBA champions have lost four games in a row after LeBron suffered an ankle injury.
The Angels’ next engagement is this Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.