Former Ute Kyle Kuzma Retells Moment He Learned Of Gobert’s COVID-19 Test

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah and current Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma told Rich Eisen that he has worries about the NBA returning too early.

Kuzma appeared on the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday and was asked about the information that was released by Dr. Anthony Fauci about sports returning soon.

Fauci said that it would have to be in front of no fans and the players would have to be quarantined in hotels and go to the hotel and the arena and that’s it. Kuzma was asked if he is willing to do that.

“That’s the interesting thing, we would have to be in a hotel and could never leave,” Kuzma said. “With family members, if they were allowed in or now, how would that go? Then you would have to think about the workers. Let’s say we are in Las Vegas and staying at a certain hotel, all of the people in the hotel would have to stay there too. That’s a pretty hefty thing.”

#LakeShow @kylekuzma told us how he heard about Rudy Gobert's positive #Covid19 test and when he thinks the #NBA might return to action: pic.twitter.com/EkVkSwVMOe

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 15, 2020

As a competitor, Kuzma would do it but it doesn’t always come down to that.

“As a competitor and someone who loves the game of basketball, of course we all want to play,” Kuzma stated. “I think the thing that is kind of being missed is that their are a lot of players out there that have the same worries that the regular population has.”

Kuzma was at home watching the Utah Jazz game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 11. That was the game that was postponed just before tip-off because Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

“I was at home watching the game,” Kuzma said. “Watching the game about to start when it folded. It wasn’t necessarily a surprise. With any type of global virus that has the firepower to hit anyone, it just puts things in perspective that any and everybody can get it.”

Kuzma told Eisen that the Lakers team got tested for COVID-19 right away. The former Ute mentioned that his test was negative. As far as what Kuzma has been told about the status of the NBA, it’s still up in the air.

“Just as much as you,” Kuzma said about what he knows. “Nobody really knows. This is such a weird and crazy time for us right now just because quite frankly as a society, we haven’t gone through something like this at least in our generation. It’s just a waiting game. It’s all about taking the proper precautions and measures, being safe, making sure that everyone is safe, doing their part and making sure they are staying inside.”

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.