The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans will both be without top assistant coaches for the NBA restart in Orlando.
The Lakers will be without Lionel Hollins who was “red-flagged” as a health concern, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Hollins is 66 years old, but this was not an age-related situation, Haynes notes.
Coaches and other personnel, who are considered to be at a higher risk of suffering more serious symptoms, can be medically flagged and prohibited from entering the Orlando “bubble”.
While he is reportedly disappointed in not being able to be with the team as they pursue a championship, he understands it is the right decision.
The Lakers will still have other top assistant coaches Jason Kidd and Phil Handy.
Pelicans associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik, 67, won’t be joining the team in Orlando, his agent Warren LeGarie told ESPN.
The organization is reportedly supportive of the decision.
His decision came after meeting with team doctors about Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
He will reportedly work remotely and advise the team on defensive strategy while he remains in New Orleans, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
No decision has been made about head coach Alvin Gentry, who is 65 years old.
