Lakers, Clippers to be impacted by L.A. COVID-19 vaccine mandate

It's been known for some time that players for the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors would have to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain approved medical or religious exemptions to participate in practices and games held in home arenas because of mandates in New York City and San Francisco. 

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers will be added to the list later this fall. 

According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, an ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council and signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti that goes into effect Nov. 29 will require NBA personnel to be considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to enter indoor venues such as Staples Center, home of the Lakers and Clippers. 

Just as with New York and San Francisco, the Los Angeles mandate applies only to Lakers and Clippers players and not to "non-resident performers" competing in road games against those clubs. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final required dose of one of the safe and available vaccines. 

Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said last month that all of the team's players should be fully vaccinated by the start of the regular season. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters last week his team is already fully vaccinated. 

It remains unknown if Nets star guard Kyrie Irving will be vaccinated or receive an exemption before Brooklyn hosts the Charlotte Hornets for its first regular-season home game on Oct. 24. As of now, Irving cannot practice or play in exhibition contests held in New York.