Cedric Ceballos, the former Lakers and Cal State Fullerton star, announced Tuesday that he has been hospitalized with COVID-19 for more than a week.
“On my 10th day in the ICU, the COVID-19 virus is officially kicking me out, but I am asking all family, friends, and healing prayer warriors for your prayers and good luck in my recovery,” Ceballos said on Twitter.
The tweet included a photo of Ceballos in a hospital bed, apparently alert, with an oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth.
“If I have done anything to you in the past, allow me to apologize publicly,” Ceballos wrote. “My fight is not over…thx.”
On August 27 on Instagram, Ceballos, 52, said he had to postpone a meet-and-greet and golf tournament because he tested positive for the coronavirus. At the time, he said he was resting at home after a stint in the hospital.
“I hope to return to optimum health and speedy recovery,” he said in the post.
Rodney Gee, Ceballos’ longtime business manager, released a statement Tuesday:
“As the nation has had to deal with the significant changes and risks associated with COVID-19, our client Cedric Ceballos is coping amid his positive results. Healing and continuing to rest, his main concern has been the well-being of family, friends and anyone he may have come into contact with during the no-show period. Symptoms.
“…Cedric is resting and focused on getting the best of health so he can get back to work as usual. We appreciate prayer and support during this difficult time.”
Ceballos spent 11 seasons in the NBA with five teams, most notably the Lakers (three seasons) and the Phoenix Suns (six seasons), in the early and mid-1990s. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat and averaged 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 609 games.
He was a key member of the Suns team in the 1993 finals, averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. Ceballos injured his knee against Seattle in the Western Conference Finals and missed the Finals series against the Chicago Bulls.
Ceballos averaged 21.7 points and 8 rebounds for the Lakers during the 1994-95 season. He was selected for the All-Star Team but did not play due to injury. Known for his jumping ability, Ceballos also won the 1992 All-Star Slam Dunk competition with an unforgettable dunk while wearing a blindfold.