Lakers' HC Frank Vogel enters covid-19 protocols

With a growing absentee list due to both injuries and covid-19, the Lakers are now set to be without their head coach as well.

Lakers' Frank Vogel placed on covid-19 list

The Lakers lost to marauding Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, however, they did so without their head coach Frank Vogel after he entered the league's covid-19 health and safety protocols, according to a team announcement. For the time being it is understood that David Fizdale will serve as head coach against the Bulls. Vogel is now the third NBA head coach to enter the league's health and safety protocols this season. Previously Alvin Gentry of the Sacramento Kings and Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers were also sidelined due to the virus. It is still unclear as to how long Vogel will be out, meaning the Lakers are set to continue facing a series of unfortunate events.

If that wasn't bad enough the Lakers also announced that veteran wing Kent Bazemore will be entering the protocols as well, which only serves to compound their very real roster problem. Whether it's players who have entered the protocols or players out through injury, the Lakers are now without an incredible nine players.

Uncertainty still surrounds Anthony Davis

Of all of the players who are out, the most notable is surely Anthony Davis. The big man went down with what appeared at the time to be a very serioues knee injury in the team's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Since then Davis has received an MRI which revealed a sprained MCL, such that he will be sidelined for at least a month - still less significant a period of time than initially feared. The Lakers have struggled to find rhythm this season and have come in for heavy criticism given the star power that they currently possess, however, talent means nothing if it's out injured.

Where are the Lakers at right now?

With the loss on Sunday, the Lakers now sit in seventh place in the Western conference with a record of 16-15. Understandably Vogel himself has come under intense scrutiny. So much so in fact that there have been murmurings about him being relieved of his post, however, the franchise itself has given no indication that it is an option up for consideration at this time. Lakers's star and NBA icon LeBron James recently placed the blame for the Lakers' slow start on the players themselves, also highlighting the fact that his coach has not been able to count on a healthy roster as they have faced unprecedented injury issues.

While it is unlikely that Vogel will lose his job at this point, the reality is that unless the Lakers turn things around soon, they could well be in danger of the unthinkable which is to say, missing out on the playoffs. Of course we are talking about a coach who led the Lakers to a title in 2020, but as is the case in any elite sport, you're only as good as your last win.