Kleine to Remain Hospitalized After Collapsing Before Game

Joe Kleine, a backup center with the Phoenix Suns, collapsed on the court moments before Sunday afternoon’s game at the Forum and momentarily lost consciousness, but seemed in good condition as he headed to Centinela Hospital to spend the night for observation, Laker team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo said.

“Before we put him in the ambulance, he was fine,” Lombardo said. “He was coherent and very lucid.”

This is the second episode for Kleine in about two weeks. The first, in Phoenix, was followed by a series of tests that revealed nothing out of the ordinary, according to Lombardo.

Sunday, the 11-year veteran was lined up with teammates when he passed out during the national anthem. After coming to and spending a few minutes on the ground, Kleine, 34, told medical personnel he could walk off on his own, but they insisted on using a stretcher.

“Our biggest concern in a situation like this obviously is his cardiac status.” Lombardo said.