Los Angles-based NBA teams Lakers and Clippers have announced that a limited number of fans will be allowed to attend home games at the STAPLES Center from April 15 onwards. California has moved the county of Los Angeles into the orange tier of COVID-19 management, with both teams confirming the return of fans on Friday. 

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“We are incredibly excited that the State of California announced guidelines today that will allow Lakers fans to return to STAPLES Center,” a statement from the Lakers read. 

“Now that we have the guidance, we will work with LA County Public Health and STAPLES Center to finalize our plans to have fans safely attend our games starting with the Lakers vs. Celtics game on April 15. We look forward to welcoming Lakers fans back to STAPLES Center to continue the journey with us to defend our NBA title.”

The Clippers, meanwhile, will see their fans return courtside from April 18 onwards. 

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“With the State of California announcing that Los Angeles County has moved into the orange tier, we will continue working closely with the L.A. County Department of Public Health and STAPLES Center to determine the guidelines for safely hosting fans at Clippers home games this season,” the Clippers said in their statement.

“With the new guidelines in place, we are planning for a certain number of fans to attend our game against Minnesota on April 18.”

The Lakers will take on the Boston Celtics on April 15, while the Clippers face the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 18. 

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The state of California on Friday announced new COVID-19 guidelines, part of which allows fans to attend games at indoor arenas. 

The Department of Public Health said that the new rules have been introduced because of increased vaccination rates and plummeting positivity rates.