Marc Gasol returned to court and, after playing his first game in nearly a month, revealed that he was infected with COVID-19, the reason for his absence from the Los Angeles Lakers since February 28, a period when the Spanish failed. . it very well.
‘The virus hit me hard. I lay between five and six days, I couldn’t move 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. “Then I realized how difficult it is and how it has affected my body.
Body aches, fever, chills, all manageable, but headaches and shortness of breath were the worst symptoms. I also lost my (sense of) smell and taste. I restore them little by little, ”he added.
Gasol missed nine games with the Angelenos due to NBA safety protocols, which come into effect when a test is inconclusive or due to possible close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
In the case of the Spaniards, the Lakers had not specified what was the case for which he had entered protocol.
On his return, Gasol told about his experiences with the virus.
‘All I thought about was my kids and my wife. Basketball is in the background at that moment. (Playing) is a risk we all assume, ”said Gasol, who scored five points, scored two rebounds and two assists in the 15 minutes he was on the floor. “I wear the mouthguard every day, keep my distance, do whatever is said and it still gave me. So it happens.
“We have to be as responsible as possible. Nothing has changed in my perspective on the season or anything, we try to do our best. Hopefully more and more people can get vaccinated and we’ll get out of here, ”he added.
After his recovery, Gasol worked to regain strength and physical fitness with Lakers medical staff and trainers. It’s still under a minute limit, but expect to have more activity on Friday.
“Even though he made one of two shots from 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 he feels for the next few hours, ‘said Lakers coach Frank Vogel.
As for vaccination, Gasol said he wouldn’t use his experience to convince anyone. At the moment, Catalan has antibodies and in that sense it is protected.
“(Getting vaccinated) is a very personal decision. Each person will do their own research on the vaccine and make their decisions, ”said Gasol.
The return of the Spaniards is of great help to some Lakers who are going through a rough time due to injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The reigning NBA champions have lost four games in a row after LeBron’s ankle injury.
The Angelenos’ next commitment is against the Cleveland Cavaliers this Friday.