The Associated Press reports that Lakers center Soumaila Samake has been suspended by the NBA for five games for violating the leagues’ steroid policy. Samake reportedly tested positive for Nandrolone which was added to the banned substance list by the league.

The league and the NBA Players Association do not disclose details regarding the testing or treatment of players in the program, but Samake issued a statement saying he had taken a dietary supplement that contained the banned substance. He said he was unaware the supplement contained Nandrolone and that it wasn't listed on the product he used.

``Nandrolone is commonly found in many products sold in nutritional stores in dietary supplements used,'' Samake said in the statement, distributed by Global Sports Management. ``Nandrolone has only recently been banned by the NBA and was unknown to me at the time of using the product. The lesson for a young athlete to be learned is that all products they are going to use should be checked with a certified strength coach, trainer or doctor before using them.''

Samake was signed to help fill the shoes of Shaquille O’Neal while he recovers from toe surgery. He hopes to make his return in the next week or two.

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Los Angeles Lakers

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