Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart and two Los Angeles Lakers players have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Both teams released statements announcing the positive tests Thursday, though they did not identify the players by name.
Smart posted a tweet later Thursday confirming that he had tested positive.
I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
“We learned today that two Lakers players have tested positive,” the Lakers said in their statement. “Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician.
“All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team.”
Boston said in its statement that the Celtics player, later confirmed to be Smart, is “not exhibiting symptoms and has been in isolation for several days and will continue to do so while being monitored by team medical staff.”
All Lakers players underwent testing on Wednesday, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, following the Brooklyn Nets‘ announcement Tuesday that four players had tested positive for the virus.
The Lakers played the Nets in their last game before the season was suspended.
The Lakers will now test coaches and support staff who had close contact with the players, sources told ESPN.