Following the team’s 115-103 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday, Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis gave a rather concerning update on his ankle injury. Davis landed awkwardly on his ankle and went down on the floor during the game.
Teammate D’Angelo Russell had to assist him as he cautiously returned to the game. Despite the pain, Davis gutted through and ended the night with an impressive stat line of 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Speaking to reporters postgame, the All-Star big man didn’t deny the severity of the issue. “I don’t know. I will have to talk to my trainers to see what exactly is going on,” Davis said. “Honestly, I’ve been handling it since this summer.” Just everything has to work and be on the floor, which kind of landed directly on the spot that’s been killing me. So, we’ll figure it out.”
Davis has been a force for the Lakers so far this season, already putting himself in early contention for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He has played in all seven games for the team, averaging 31.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 blocks per contest.
Lakers superstar LeBron James also contributed 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in the loss to the Pistons. Other key contributors included Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, with 17 and 11 points, respectively.
All eyes will now be on Davis’ availability as the Lakers head back to the West to finish their five-game road trip with a clash against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Davis’ status could be the determining factor in whether the Lakers can avenge their earlier 131-114 loss to the Grizzlies.
In addition to the heel injury, Davis has also been dealing with eye issues. Recently, the team’s win over the Toronto Raptors poked the center in the eye, sparking speculation that he might require protective glasses. However, Davis quickly dismissed the idea, saying he has no plans to wear goggles.
“I choose not to,” Davis stated. “I wore goggles for three years when I was younger,” Davis said. I honestly don’t want to wear them. Obviously, the doctor said I don’t have to, but if the situation escalates to the point where the doctor orders me to do so, I will comply. If it gets to that point where my eye doctor tells me that I need to wear them, then of course I will. However, my eye doctor has cleared me to play without them.
The Lakers will be hoping Davis can manage the ankle injury and continue his dominant start to the season. With the team currently 6-4, a healthy Davis will be crucial as they look to climb the standings in the Western Conference.
After the Grizzlies game, the Lakers will travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs on Friday. Davis’ status will be something to monitor closely as the team looks to build on their early-season success.