With a new coach and fresh perspective, the Los Angeles Lakers started the regular season strong. But then came the drop, with the team losing three of their last four games. Despite the odd situation and LeBron James’s clear struggles, Anthony Davis is the only beacon of hope for Purple and Gold. What a tremendous run he’s been on for the last seven games!

Davis is averaging 32.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.9 blocks per contest while shooting 57.1% from the field. Surely, Lakers fans are looking forward to watching the Brow play in Wednesday’s game. Since his arrival, first-year head coach JJ Redick emphasized the need to get Davis more involved on offense, and he has been spot on with that. But…

Anthony Davis is questionable to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, October 6. He has dealt with multiple injuries recently. A left heel contusion now affects Davis after the hip issue. The Lakers center suffered the injury during the team’s 115-103 defeat against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Anthony Davis is day-to-day after landing on his left heel in the game’s final quarter. The incident likely triggered the injury. The injury caused Davis to limp.

Davis’ injury was initially believed to be an ankle issue but further evaluation revealed that it was a bruise in his heel. He aggravated the injury on consecutive plays. First, Davis landed on another player’s foot while he was attempting to block a shot. Then, Davis landed awkwardly after getting fouled on a layup attempt.

However, he sounded optimistic about playing against Ja Morant & Co. But the coach will probably take the final call, and there is a high chance that Davis will miss the game. “I’ll talk to my trainer and just kind of figure out what exactly is going on,” AD said on Monday post-game. “I’ve been managing it since this summer, honestly, and my goal for every game is to be on the floor. And I just kind of landed directly on the spot that’s been killing me. So, we’ll figure it out.” Meanwhile, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin posted a funny clip.

After the game, Lakers superstar LeBron James was asked how the team would manage if Davis was forced to miss time due to the injury. James did not give a clear response. But Davis could be heard in the background, providing an update on his own injury. Right after the reporter said, “If AD is out,” Davis can be heard saying, “He’s not out.”

McMenamin had also reported that Davis wasn’t ruled out. “However, those sources cautioned, with the foot issue plaguing the All-Star big man from the end of last season through the Paris Olympics, it will be a day-to-day situation,” McMenamin had revealed.

In the worst-case scenario, the coach benched Anthony Davis for the Western Conference clash. Then who will be the replacement? Fear not, because the 7’1″ center Christian Koloko is back. He’s on his way to return to the court after missing a major part of the league since April 2023 due to a “blood clot issue.” So, maybe a grand moment is waiting for the newbie center.

The 24-year-old, who signed a two-way deal with the Lakers in September, was recently cleared medically to play. However, he had not yet been active because of “conditioning concerns.” If Davis is forced to miss time, having Koloko available will be a major boost. With a 7-5 wingspan, Koloko is an excellent shot-blocker and offensive rebounder. Now, let’s dive into the injury reports of both teams before the major clash.

Lakers have more concerns on top of Anthony Davis, Grizzlies battle theirs

If Davis can not play, that will be a major loss for the Lakers. Since arriving in LA, Davis has somewhat dominated the Grizzlies. In 14 matchups, Davis has averaged 24.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and an impressive 3.5 blocks, shooting 53 percent from the field with a 9-5 record. To add to it, in the last game, he finished with 37 points, nine rebounds, and four assists while shooting 13/23 from the field and 0/4 from the three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.

To add to it, the Lakers have struggled when Davis has rested on the road trip. According to Price, they “have a net rating (point differential per 100 possessions) of plus-1.1 in the 142 minutes Davis played in the first four games of the trip compared to a net rating of minus-28.5 in the 50 minutes when he’s been on the bench.”

Apart from Davis, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are probable due to ankle and foot issues. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood will remain out, as neither has played this season. Meanwhile, Jovan Buha has reported: “The Lakers say Rui Hachimura (illness) is doubtful for tonight’s game in Memphis.”

The Grizzlies are also dealing with injuries. GG Jackson II is out with a foot injury and will return in January. Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane are unlikely to play due to a sprained ankle and an oblique strain, respectively. Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer are still rehabbing. The team has upgraded Luke Kennard to questionable, while they list John Konchar as doubtful with a right quadriceps contusion.

Anthony Davis is crucial to the Lakers’ success, but his injury raises doubts about his availability. Despite staying optimistic, there’s a real chance he could miss the game. If Davis doesn’t play, the Lakers will need a quick solution. Christian Koloko’s return could provide an interesting option. Fans will eagerly await the final decision, hoping Davis can lead them through the challenge.