Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis spoke to reporters on Sunday for the first time since an MRI revealed a sprained MCL in his left knee. Davis will be out at least four weeks before being re-evaluated.
All things considered, the news could have been worse. Best-case scenario, Davis could return in 13-15 games.
A downbeat AD kept things in perspective in his pre-game media availability before the Lakers matchup with the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
“I mean, mentally, I’m fine,” he told reporters. “I’m in good spirits, just being around the team. Obviously avoided a major injury, which has kind of got my spirits back up because I just didn’t know.”
Anthony Davis, wearing a brace beneath his sweats on his left knee, said he’s fine mentally and ready to attack his rehab from an MCL sprain: “Obviously avoided a major injury, which has kinda got my spirits back up because I just didn’t know.” pic.twitter.com/IERjaQH1bv
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) December 20, 2021
Davis said that, in the moment Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaden McDaniels fell into his knee on Friday, he feared a torn MCL.
“I did hear something pop – and the first thing I thought of was that. … Thank God it wasn’t that.”
Davis said he was thankful to avoid surgery, which he called “good news.” Of course, he's still frustrated to be out for an extended stretch.
Davis described the pain in his knee and the turmoil he felt when he collapsed in the tunnel in Minnesota after limping across the floor. He thought it was worse: “I did hear something pop – and the first thing I thought of was that. … Thank God it wasn’t that.” pic.twitter.com/k0AbwHaQdj
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) December 20, 2021
Davis said his wife has been one of his most steadfast supporters and has kept him grounded. “She’s the one who keeps me in a good place for real.”
AD has averaged 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks in 27 games this season with a .569 true shooting percentage.
David Fizdale — whose serving as Lakers head coach on Sunday with Frank Vogel in health and safety protocols — said the Lakers will have to rely on their ball movement to tread water without AD.
David Fizdale says, without Anthony Davis, the Lakers have to "continue to trust the pass and trust the next man to do the job." He said ball movement and how the Lakers execute in "second situations” will be key to success without AD.
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) December 19, 2021
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