Following Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis‘ injury, the responsibility of leading the Lakers arguably fell solely on fellow teammate and 4x NBA champion LeBron James. However, that might not be the case for too long. On January 20, ESPN reported that Davis was making progress and was likely to make a comeback by next week. While fans breathed a sigh of relief, they were marred with concerns following the latest update on AD’s healing injury.
On December 18, Anthony Davis suffered from a foot injury during a game against the Western Conference top team the Denver Nuggets. After celebrating the Lakers’ victory at Friday night’s game, Davis underwent an MRI the following day. The purple and gold franchise soon announced that AD would be taking time off and letting his injury heal.
LeBron James can perhaps take a breather
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As per the latest reports by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Anthony Davis is set to rejoin his teammates for Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. However, there is still a lingering concern regarding any setback during AD’s pre-game warmup. The 2020 NBA champion will be back after almost six weeks of rest due to a fractured bone spur in his right foot. According to medical personnel, Davis’ injury needs about three-four more weeks to heal completely. Therefore, it has been decided that the 8x All-Star will have a 20-24 minute restriction on the court.
L.A. Lakers star big man Anthony Davis will return to the lineup Wednesday vs. SAS, barring any setback during his pregame warmup, league sources told ESPN. He will be back in the lineup 5 1/2 weeks after suffering a fractured bone spur and stress reaction in his right foot
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 25, 2023
Despite concerns regarding his injuries, ‘The Brow’s return proves to be relieving news for LeBron James, who had been carrying the team through most of the games since. Since his injury, Davis has missed 20 games, 10 of which resulted in the Lakers’ favor.
READ MORE – ??Counting Down Until He Gets Hurt Again?: Encouraging Anthony Davis Update Doesn?t Excite Lakers Fans
NBA Twitter, however, had different opinions about Davis’ comeback. While some were concerned about his injury getting worse, others shared the relief that ‘King James’ probably must have felt as well.
Here are some more reactions from NBA Twitter:
I think this is terrible news. Considering what’s happened the last 2 seasons when they’ve done this. Genuinely hope it works though. https://t.co/9pQnZF9Vhi
— kingtisemedia (@kingtisemedia) January 25, 2023
About damn time pic.twitter.com/RvOPUGhpFd
— Playmaker (@playmaker) January 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/NasserOtutaha/status/1618125896870940672?s=20&t=forbOd-V8zQpBlVAMdmssg
AD saw enough tonight 😂
— 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙗𝙝 ⁶𓅓 (@OVOLakeShow) January 25, 2023
What’s the likely hood of it getting injured again?
— G (@GarDerGDDG) January 25, 2023
don’t worry bron he’s back pic.twitter.com/EnxOHWooS8
— daltino 🍜 (@MajinDaltino) January 25, 2023
he better not be forcing his way back early
— Hali (@halisemen) January 25, 2023
HES BACK BABY LETS GOOO pic.twitter.com/hAYwr1aSRJ
— Nbaofficialstrash (@nbaoficialtrash) January 25, 2023
Finally!! Boys can’t win without you, you truly R the one that makes their teammates better 💪🏿💪🏿
— Olivier (@Traffik55) January 25, 2023
James displays career-high performance in AD’s absence
A day before Anthony Davis’ return, the Los Angeles Lakers faced yet another defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite LeBron James’ 46-point score, the Lakers failed to secure a win. However, he did make a major accomplishment by shooting a career-high nine three-pointers against the Clippers.
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The Lakers have now faced the Clippers three times this season and have failed to defeat them in every game. Clippers’ Paul George led the team to a 133-115 victory by scoring 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
WATCH THIS STORY: Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson injury details return date
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The Lakers will begin their five-game road trip on January 28, starting from Boston and concluding in New Orleans.
Do you think AD’s return will be the boost the Lakers need? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.