“Strong Support Group”: Lakers Coach Reveals How the Team Copes with Mental Challenges in the Bubble

With COVID-19 still around, the NBA Bubble in Orlando has been one of the safest places in the country. But safety comes at a cost. Players and staff aren’t allowed to leave the Bubble, and no outsiders are allowed to come in either. All this can take a toll on mental health. Likewise, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has not been immune to the ravages of the Bubble.

During an interview, Vogel talked about how the Bubble environment has been tough, not just for the players and staff, but for their family back home, too.

“It’s definitely a mental challenge,” Vogel said. “We have a great group to be around. We all lean on each other and support each other and lift each other up. I’ve got a great foundation at home with my wife and two daughters. They keep me lifted and I keep them lifted.

“It’s even harder for the families of us that are in the Bubble. It’s important that we’re all trying to lift each other up and support each other.”

Vogel is thankful for the Lakers family

Vogel admitted that they have been able to manage on regular workdays. But when something outside of the Bubble happens, it becomes tough for them. He expressed his gratefulness to the Lakers team, who have become family.

“When it’s a normal day-to-day approach, we’re focused on the process and it’s manageable. It’s when adversity strikes, someone loses a loved one or someone outside the Bubble is sick, all these things challenge us mentally and emotionally, that’s when the Bubble gets difficult.

“I’m thankful that we have a strong support group around us. Both our Lakers family in the Bubble as well as my family outside the Bubble.”

Multiple NBA stars have already spoken about the mental health aspect in the Bubble. The most recent was Paul George, who admitted to having a tough time, especially when he was going through a bad run of games.

Vogel’s Lakers now play the Blazers tomorrow in Game 5 of the series. With them leading 3-1 and Damian Lillard ruled out, it should be a breeze for the Lakers.