Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel confirmed that Anthony Davis suffered a Grade 1 groin strain and will be listed as “questionable” for Game 5 vs. the Suns.
During his post-practice Zoom with the media on Monday afternoon, Vogel said AD underwent an MRI and is “literally day-to-day.”
Vogel added that AD will see how his groin feels on Tuesday before making a decision on whether to suit up for a pivotal Game 5 at Phoenix Suns Arena.
On Sunday night and into Monday morning, various reports indicated that Davis suffered a Grade 1 strain and would be day-to-day, and there was “pessimism” in Lakers circles regarding AD's ability to play on Tuesday.
Recovery time for Grade 1 strains can be as little as seven days.
Vogel declined to provide details on the current mood of AD, though he said the eight-time All-Star is in “good spirits.”
Davis struggled through a knee sprain in Game 4, making 2-of-9 shots before landing awkwardly on a missed layup seconds before halftime. He was ruled out for the game shortly after and left Staples Center without speaking to reporters.
Noon @SportsCenter with @Sagesteele on pessimism surrounding Anthony Davis’ availability for Game 5 of Lakers-Suns series pic.twitter.com/MMnVIRikRn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2021
As for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who missed Sunday's Game 4 loss with a quad contusion and knee soreness: Vogel is “hopeful” that his best 3-and-D option will be able to help slow down Devin Booker in Game 5.
Vogel said he's "hopeful" that KCP will play in Game 5. He said KCP was "close" to playing in Game 4 on Sunday.
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) May 31, 2021
“I'm fine,” Caldwell-Pope said Monday. “Doing much better … on the game yesterday, I wanted to play man, it was 50/50. Just had a little soreness in my knee. I'm feeling better. Still questionable about going tomorrow.”
If KCP can't go, Wesley Matthews will likely start in his place for the Lakers, once again.
Vogel declined to reveal who may start in the absence of Anthony Davis. However, Dennis Schroder and Kyle Kuzma have separately hinted the Los Angeles may downsize and try to speed up the game without their star big. Personally, I would not be surprised to see Kuzma rejoin the Lakers' starting five.
The Lakers and Suns are tied 2-2 heading into Game 5, which will tip-off at 7 p.m. PT on Tuesday.
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