The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season as the 8th seed in the West (47-35). They played the New Orleans Pelicans today in Smoothie King Center, led by LeBron James triple-double (28 points, 17 assists, 11 rebounds) and Anthony Davis‘ 30 points and 11 rebounds. However, as the 124-108 lopsided win ended up being a rather comfortable victory, the Lakers’ chances were dimmed when AD garnered another injury. As Davis attempted for a putback dunk, Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr. made questionable contact with the center.

This led AD to land awkwardly, tweaking his back. Soon, at the next halt in the game, Davis was seen clutching his back. With that, the star-center exited the floor with nearly 5 minutes left. Moreover, as the game concluded, he was said to suffer from hip and back spasms. Now, as fans anticipate Anthony Davis’ status for the play-in game, Dr. Rajpal Brar claims Davis’ “muscles essentially tightened up on him.”

The medical expert cites optimism in Davis’ participating in Tuesday night’s game, indicating nothing more than a minor setback. “He should be ready to go for the play-in and bolstered by not having to travel.” Notably, The Lakers shortened their play-in journey to just 1 game after the recent win. And it comes as a rematch against New Orleans under the same roof as tonight’s.

With that, the Lakers can utilize the near-48 hours for team practices and giving proper rest to their stars; something that Davis, if not the entire roster, needs plenty of.

What did Anthony Davis say about his injury?

Despite all the physicality Anthony Davis faced near the rim, he was not a fan of Larry Nance’s shove from the back. “I was in the air. So, obviously, it’s a dangerous play. I know he’s not a dirty player. But I’m in the air and then get shoved in the back. Hyperextension. It just locks up,” Davis said in a postgame interview. However, just like Dr. Rajpal and Ham, indicated a positive outlook. He concluded his comments by saying, “Yeah, no doubt that I’m going to play on Tuesday. Just some treatment, see how it feels, and get ready for Tuesday.”

Anthony Davis played 76 games this season, his most while being a Laker. While it demolished the long-standing notions of AD being injury-prone, the concerns found a way to creep in during the campaign’s end.

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

LeBron James Raids Wife Savannah’s Wardrobe For Game 4 Win, Leaving 35YO Stylist “Weak”

April 28, 2024 07:16 PM EDT

Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially

April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT

Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie

April 28, 2024 04:08 PM EDT

“That Was Too Much”: LeBron Gave Bryce James a Tough Pill to Swallow 1 Week Before His Nike EYBL Game

April 29, 2024 02:32 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The most alarming situations have come through Davis’ mid-game injuries. He suffered a massive blow to his shoulder, anticipating a charge during Giannis Antetokounmpo’s drive. Moreover, a similar situation occurred during the late-March Bucks matchup, leaving the center clutching his knee in the middle of a 2OT thriller. An eye injury also left AD injured, unable to leap at the tip-off multiple times since March.

Now, as the Lakers’ regular season has come to an end, they will need Davis for a smooth post-season transition. If they win the Pelicans’ rematch, they will secure a 7th seed in the West, aligned to bring their A-game early for a first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets.