Anthony Davis injury update: Lakers star closing in on return, but won't play Sunday vs. Heat
Sun, Jan 23, 2022
NBA News (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has been out since Dec. 17 after suffering a sprained MCL in his left knee, and is closing in on a return. It will not, however, come on Sunday against the Miami Heat. Despite being listed as questionable on the injury report, the team has ruled Davis out for Sunday's game. Davis could instead make his return on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Whenever it happens, Davis' return will be a major boost for the Lakers, who currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference with a 23-23 record, as the team has struggled mightily in his absence. In his 10th NBA season, Davis is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and two blocks per game, though he's shooting just 18 percent from 3-point range -- his lowest mark since the 2014-15 season.
While L.A.'s offense has sustained itself due to an MVP-caliber performance from LeBron James and the emergence of role players such as Malik Monk, the defense has suffered greatly in Davis' latest stint on the injured list. His versatility and rim protection have both been missed.
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With Russell Westbrook's name amid a horrific shooting slump and James being pushed to his limits in his 19th NBA season, Davis will be a welcome re-addition to a Lakers team hoping to live up to its status as preseason favorites after a disappointing first half of the year.
