The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a double blow on Tuesday night. Not only did they lose 118-104 to the Philadelphia 76ers, but star forward Anthony Davis left the game with an abdominal injury. Davis, a crucial piece of the Lakers’ success, now faces a recovery period that could potentially affect the team’s season. Here’s what you need to know.
Davis’ Injury: What We Know So Far
Davis sustained the abdominal injury late in the first quarter and was ruled out of the game shortly after. The Lakers have confirmed that he will be out for at least a week, but the extent of the injury could determine how long he remains sidelined.
He returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday for further evaluation, while the team continues its six-game road trip. The earliest possible return for Davis would be during their home game against the Golden State Warriors on February 6.
However, NBA injury expert Evan Jeffries warns that Davis may be out longer depending on the severity of the strain:
- Grade I abdominal strain: 7-10 days recovery
- Grade II abdominal strain: 3-6 weeks recovery
The fact that the Lakers quickly labeled this injury as a “strain” raises concerns. Jeffries suggests this might indicate a more significant issue.
Davis’ Injury History: Why This Is Concerning
Davis has a long injury history, but this is his first time dealing with an abdominal strain. Most of his previous injuries have affected his ankles, shoulders, and hands. The closest comparison was a bruised rib he played through in 2018, but that didn’t cause him to miss games.
Given Davis’ importance to the team and his tendency to be injury-prone, the Lakers will likely be cautious with his recovery. The team cannot afford to rush him back and risk a more severe setback, especially with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
What This Means for the Lakers
Davis’ absence comes at a crucial time. The Lakers are just 3.5 games ahead of the 11th-seeded Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference standings. If Davis is out longer than expected, it could have a significant impact on the team’s playoff chances.
The timing of this injury also coincides with the NBA trade deadline on February 6, leaving the Lakers with a tough decision:
- If Davis returns quickly (Grade I strain): The Lakers might stick with their current roster.
- If Davis is out long-term (Grade II strain): The Lakers could look to make a trade for frontcourt depth.
Trade Possibilities: Who Could the Lakers Target?
Reports suggest the Lakers may explore the trade market for a center, especially if Davis is out for an extended period. Players like Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic or Portland’s DeAndre Ayton could be potential targets, offering the size and scoring presence the team would miss without Davis.
Peter Dewey of Sports Illustrated also believes Davis’ injury could push the Lakers toward making a deal. If they fail to add depth, the team could struggle against opponents with strong frontcourt players, especially as they face crucial matchups leading up to the postseason.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers are in a tricky spot. If Davis can return quickly and remain healthy, they may be able to ride out this rough patch. However, if he misses several weeks, the team risks falling further behind in the Western Conference standings.
Head coach Darvin Ham will need to rely on players like LeBron James and Rui Hachimura to step up in Davis’ absence. However, with the Lakers already struggling with depth, it’s clear they’ll be closely monitoring Davis’ recovery timeline. If he’s out beyond the February 6 trade deadline, expect the Lakers to make a move.
Anthony Davis’ injury comes at the worst possible time for the Lakers, with the trade deadline approaching and playoff positioning at stake. If the team hopes to remain competitive, they’ll need a mix of smart management, potential trade decisions, and timely contributions from their remaining players. As the Lakers wait for updates on Davis’ status, their season could hang in the balance.
