“All The Lakers Are Playing At Some Rich Guy’s House”: Los Angeles Lakers Rumored to be Holding Secret Practices

Midway through May, the Los Angeles Lakers and the other NBA teams decided to open their training facilities. After months of lockdown, players were finally able to hit the facilities, albeit it would have to be up to four players per workouts to maintain social distancing.

But despite this, rumors have emerged about the Lakers holding private practices. On his podcast, Bill Simmons asked JJ Reddick if he had heard about this rumor. “Have you heard, there’s this L.A. rumor right now, of all the Lakers are playing at some rich guy’s house?”

JJ Redick replied affirmatively. “I’ve heard similar things. There is a gentleman, I think his house is in Bel-Air, who has a Staples Center replica in his backyard. It’s a full-court, locker rooms, weight rooms, steam shower. I’ve worked out there before. My assumption is those guys are working out there, that would make a lot of sense.”

Los Angeles Lakers going out of their way to stay in shape?

Reddick could be referring to the businessman Steve Jackson. The L.A Gear chairman, Jackson has a gym which is the exact replica of the Staples Center. For many years, many teams and players have had multiple workouts there. This list includes the Indiana Pacers in 2007, Miami Heat in 2011, Derrick Rose in 2016, and Damian Lillard in 2018.

After many videos and pictures of players have private workouts emerged, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported, “Starting June 23, players who have been working out at private gyms will be prohibited without prior NBA approval.” Even LeBron James was seen having workouts with other players associated with Klutch Sports, like Ben Simmons.

However, according to Athletic’s Shams Charania, teams will only be allowed to commence full-team workouts from July 9 onwards. That leaves the teams with just three weeks before the season resumes on July 30. This could be one reason that players are holding more secret practices since they wouldn’t be in shape with such minimum practice.

Just a few days ago, Charania had also reported that “The NBA will create an anonymous hotline to report potential violations of protocols in Orlando.” Teams haven’t reached Orlando yet, but it looks like the snitching has already begun for New Orleans Pelicans sharpshooter Redick.