The NBA has been in regular contact with its teams over the last week as the coronavirus has continued to spread across the globe and fears surrounding the impact of the virus have grown.

In one internal memo, the NBA directed players to avoid signing autographs and high-fiving fans. In separate memos, the league has instructed its teams to identify facilities that can conduct testing for COVID-19, create contingency plans to reduce the number of staff members traveling to games and even prepare for the possibility that games will have to be played without fans in the arenas.

The idea of playing at empty arenas didn’t sit well with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who told the media Friday that he wouldn’t play if the NBA decided to close its venues to fans.

“I play for the fans, that’s what it’s all about,” James told the media. “If I show up to the arena and there ain’t no fans there, I ain’t playing.”

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard didn’t go as far as to say that he wouldn’t play if fans weren’t allowed inside the arenas, but he did praise James for his comments.

“LeBron said that if there ain’t no fans, he’s not playing,” said Lillard on Monday after practice. "I’m pretty sure that statement went a long way. I doubt we’re going to be playing with no fans. I’m glad he said that.

“If there’s no fans, they might as well drive up here and let’s play in the practice facility,” Lillard continued. “Instead of just going to the arena and playing in an empty arena, let’s just play in our practice uniforms. If you can’t sell tickets, what does that mean? Are you going to have a TV game with nobody there, how does that work?”

The NBA has not altered its schedule at this point, but it has taken precautions and continued to develop contingency plans. According to a report from ESPN, the NBA is planning to close its locker rooms to the media and limit locker room access to players and essential personnel only. ESPN also reported Monday that the NBA would hold a conference call Wednesday with team owners and governors to discuss the next steps for the league as concerns around the virus continue to grow.

“That is a decision for the league to make and whatever decision they make, we’ll abide by it,” said Blazers coach Terry Stotts about the possibility of playing games without fans. “If it gets to that, we’ll do as we’re told.”

The Blazers have already been taking precautions to protect the health of their players amid the continued spread of the virus. Blazers guard CJ McCollum announced on Twitter at the end of February that he would not be signing autographs for the time being. The Blazers informed fans last Wednesday that none of the players would not be signing autographs or giving out high-fives.

The Blazers also announced in a statement last week that they had increased the frequency of disinfecting high touchpoint areas at the Moda Center, added more hand sanitizing stations and switched to antibacterial soap, among other steps.

Lillard said that the spread of the coronavirus remains a concern for players, who are required to regularly travel and interact with fans and the media.

“Obviously, it’s concerning,” Lillard said. “Especially in the environment that we work in, we’re constantly high-fiving and signing autographs and greeting people. We’re always in the presence of thousands of people. So, you’re concerned for those reasons and then we’re around (the media) as well. ... So, it’s kind of a concern, but you just got to do your best to take care of yourself, try to stay clean, keep your hands clean. For me, I’ve just been trying to keep myself and my son out of as many crowds as possible.”

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com | @jamiebgoldberg

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