The Los Angeles Lakers had no troubles against the Utah Jazz. Their offense ran seamlessly and defensively they have curbed the visitors to shooting just 45% from the floor. Unsurprisingly, it all ran through Anthony Davis, the “hub” for the Los Angeles Lakers. But the MVP candidate suffered a nasty low blow that might have put his night to an end.

With Max Christie handling the ball, The Brow set a solid screen for the guard to pass through. John Collins though might be harboring frustrations against the Purple and Gold for their clinical display. In an attempt to fight through the screen, it seemed that he intentionally extended his right arm. It struck Davis in the lower region and he immediately collapsed.

Evidently, the 31-year-old enforcing forward grimaced in pain, staying down for a few moments. Initially, it was called a normal foul on the floor. However, the play’s nature didn’t seem to be basketball-related. It was similar to how Dillon Brooks hit LeBron James in the groin last season, leading to an ejection for the same.

Luckily for Collins, the foul was only upgraded to a Flagrant 1. On the contrary, the Los Angeles Lakers saw their star center walk back to the locker room riding in pain as an after-effect of the strike from Collins. But Davis didn’t leave before leaving his impressions all over the Jazz. Davis supplied 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 25 minutes before sustaining the painful blow.

As for the injury, it didn’t seem to be much serious. After a brief visit to the locker room for treatment, the Brow has made his return in the fourth quarter, scoring within seconds of being on the floor.

Anthony Davis and the Lakers bring it close

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their streak of staying undefeated in the NBA Cup. In their 9th game, the Purple and Gold held a lead as much as 25. It came as a result of a furious flurry from rookie Dalton Knecht. Going for 18 straight at one point, he tied the rookie record for threes, hitting 9 tonight.

LeBron James and the entire Lakers bench went wild, dancing and watching in awe of their rookie. However, that turned into a sense of ease in the fourth quarter that nearly gave the Jazz a window.

They outscored the Lakers, 43-27 in the final 12 minutes, even cutting the lead to single digits in the last few minutes of regulation. Poor free throw shooting from both Anthony Davis and James may have frightened Laker Nation for some time. However, they held their nerves toward the end, winning 118-124.

Three Lakers scored 20+ points. Knecht went for a career-high 37 points while Davis and James combined to score 52 points. JJ Redick has every reason to be pleased with his team but that fourth quarter. In terms of maintaining intensity, it might be a discussion after the game that a basketball “sicko” such as Redick would want to clean up.

The Lakers have now won six games in a row. And they are yet to welcome some ky players to the roster that can genuinely elevate the capabilities of the roster. Do you think Redick has spun a web that can put LA back to its’ title ways? Let us know your early thoughts in the comments below.