Lakers’ Russell Westbrook clears COVID-19 protocols
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 15, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Tom Pennington/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by TOM PENNINGTON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook cleared COVID-19 protocols and is available to play on Friday night against the host Minnesota Timberwolves, the team announced.
ESPN reported that Westbrook flew from Dallas to Minneapolis after being cleared. The Lakers played the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night and Westbrook was placed in the protocol following the 107-104 overtime win.
Westbrook, 33, had to return two negative tests to be cleared. He is averaging 19.6 points, 8.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 29 games.
Los Angeles also officially signed guard Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract under the NBA roster hardship exemption.
The 32-year-old Thomas has an 18.1 scoring average in 528 career games with eight teams, most notably as a two-time All-Star for the Boston Celtics. He played in three games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season and averaged 7.7 points.
Los Angeles still has five other active players in the protocol: guards Avery Bradley, Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Talen Horton-Tucker and big man Dwight Howard.
Reaves went on the COVID-19 list shortly before Friday’s contest.
Injured guard Kendrick Nunn (knee), who has yet to play this season due to the injury, also was placed in the protocol on Friday.
Also, forward Trevor Ariza (ankle) was upgraded to questionable and will be in uniform, but would only be used if the team runs out of players.
Los Angeles has two frontcourt players under two-way contracts (NBA and G League) — Chaundee Brown and Jay Huff — who are in Minneapolis to help the team’s roster issues.
