The Los Angeles Lakers moved into the Top 8 seed for the first time since December 29 after Saturday’s win over Cleveland. But that joy did not last long as they fell back to the 9th seed after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. Two major reasons for the Lakers’ loss were the absence of LeBron James and the mid-game injury to Anthony Davis. As the Lakers prepare to face the Golden State Warriors tomorrow, the uncertainty about AD’s availability raises concerns.

According to the Lakers’ latest injury report, Anthony Davis is questionable to play against the Warriors. He is dealing with left eye soreness from the knock he suffered last night. That is a massive blow for the Lakers as AD has been in great form this season, averaging 24.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Notably, the team has a 2-3 record in the Power Forward’s absence.

How did Anthony Davis injure his eye?

He injured his left eye yesterday after getting hit in the face by Timberwolves Forward Kyle Anderson during a put-back dunk in the first quarter. Although Davis managed to finish the dunk despite getting hit, he fell to the floor in pain right after the play. He stayed on the court till the end of the first quarter but did not return for the remainder of the game. He played only 12 minutes, scoring 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Davis’ injury raises massive concerns for the Lakers as this is the second time the Forward has injured his eye.

Coincidentally, Davis suffered a similar injury the last time he faced the Warriors on March 16. AD took a shot to his eye from rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis during a layup attempt. His eye got swollen shut after the hit, and he was later diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. Even in that game, AD did not play after the first quarter due to the injury. However, he played in the next game against the Hawks and even scored 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists in a win. Hence, the Lakers will hope Davis makes a similar comeback against the Warriors tomorrow.

LeBron James joins Anthony Davis on the injury report

Amid uncertainty about Anthony Davis’ availability, the Lakers face another issue ahead of tomorrow’s crucial game. LeBron James is also on the injury report as he is questionable to play against Stephen Curry and Co. LeBron sat out against the Timberwolves yesterday due to flu-like symptoms and is still dealing with the issue. He has also been dealing with a lingering ankle injury all season.

If the Lakers hope to move back to the 8th seed, they need LeBron and AD to play tomorrow’s game. The Lakers have been in elite form recently, winning 8 of their last 10 games. But it might all go to waste if they cannot finish the season strong. With only 3 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers need to win every game for a chance to bag a higher seed for the play-in tournament.

LeBron and Davis’ availability is the Lakers’ best bet to defeat the Warriors tomorrow and stay ahead in the playoff race.

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