Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis left the court during the first half of the highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup against the Golden State Warriors due to an apparent ankle injury. Playing just seven minutes, the nine-time All-Star rolled his left ankle with no contact from any opponent, quickly making his way to the locker room for evaluation.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania during the halftime show, Davis intended to have his ankle re-taped and attempt to return for the second half, but he did not emerge from the locker room. Initially, he was listed as questionable to come back but by the end of the game, it was confirmed he would not return.
After the game, Davis expressed optimism about his condition. "I’ll be OK. I am playing against SAC on Saturday," he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin, demonstrating his determination to rebound quickly from the incident. Davis had been one of the most reliable players this season, having participated in 29 of the Lakers' first 30 games prior to this incident.
His quick exit on Christmas was particularly concerning for Lakers fans, as the team has been relying heavily on his performance. Earlier in the game, Davis had missed all three field-goal attempts and grabbed two rebounds. This minor setback is all the more significant, as he had already been nursing a bruised left shoulder leading up to the matchup against the Warriors and would need to stay healthy if the Lakers hope for any chance at pursuing the championship.
LeBron James, who saw the intensity of the game ramp up without Davis on the court, commented on the impact of losing their anchor. "It’s always difficult to play without AD, so I guess our job is even more heightened, we have to do a little bit more," said James after the Lakers secured a narrow 115-113 victory over the Warriors. James mentioned the need for the team to step up collectively, especially on defensive efforts, due to Davis’ absence.
After Davis’ departure, teammate Austin Reaves stepped up significantly, recording a game-winning layup with only one second remaining on the clock, finishing with impressive numbers including 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Head Coach JJ Redick remained cautious, stating, "I don't have an update on AD," when asked about Davis' condition post-game. He acknowledged the importance of Davis to the Lakers' defensive strategy and overall team dynamics.
Despite fears of the injury keeping Davis sidelined longer, the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism. Davis’ history of injuries is well-noted; yet, having only missed one game earlier this season due to foot issues, Lakers' supporters are hoping this Christmas Day scare will not become more serious.
Davis' time on the bench has often proven to be detrimental to the Lakers’ success. This season, he has averaged 26.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, aligning him as one of the early season MVP contenders. Without him, the Lakers face challenges not only with scoring but building up their defensive capabilities against future opponents.
For now, the Lakers are holding their breath as they await updates on Davis’ injury status. With the next game against the Sacramento Kings scheduled for Saturday, they will need their superstar back on the court if they are to continue their push for the playoffs. The health and performance of Anthony Davis will undoubtedly be central to Los Angeles’ ambitions this season.
