Despite dealing with injuries and having some of their players held out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the Los Angeles Lakers remain third in the Western Conference and are just three games out of the top spot.
The Lakers, however, have gone just 4-6 in their last 10 games and have missed the presence of All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who has not played in a month after suffering a right calf strain while also dealing with Achilles soreness. The team has taken a cautious approach regarding Davis’ injury, but his teammates and coaches also expressed excitement at the possibility of his impending return after the All-Star break.
The team announced last Friday that Davis would be examined in two weeks to assess the timetable for his return. However, it is possible that Davis’ return to the court could be delayed for three more weeks and possibly beyond, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Haynes reports that this is due to the team’s cautiousness regarding the eight-time All-Star’s injury, as the team is in no rush to work him back, even if it means losing games and slipping in the standings. Without Davis, the Lakers fell from the top spot in the West to the third spot and even suffered a rare four-game losing streak last month.
In 23 games, the 28-year-old is averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 53.3% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc. The Lakers have been starting Damian Jones in his place of late as another center in Marc Gasol remains out due to health and safety protocols.
Even though Davis could miss more time in the regular season, it means having him at full strength in the playoffs, where he will be more needed during the team’s title defense.
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