Andrew Bynum said before the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the San Antonio Spurs that he never has contracted chickenpox, news that should have the Lakers concerned after guard Steve Blake was diagnosed with the virus Tuesday afternoon.

Chickenpox can cause problems for pregnant women, newborns, teens and adults, and people who have immune system problems that make it hard for the body to fight infection.

It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads easily, even before the infected person has any symptoms.

The Lakers are trying to hold on to second place in the Western Conference.