Anthony Davis sidelined after reinjuring Achilles
Anthony Davis left Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets after reaggravating a right Achilles tendon injury, and the Los Angeles Lakers star now awaits an MRI.
The seven-time All-Star played 14 minutes before departing with 2:36 left in second quarter. He finished with 15 points and four rebounds in the Lakers’ 122-105 loss.
The Nuggets ended the Lakers’ seven-game win streak, getting a big boost from Nikola Jokic, who finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.
Los Angeles slipped to 21-7, while the Utah Jazz (22-5), winners of seven straight, are the only NBA team with a better record. Denver improved to 15-11.
Anthony Davis needs MRI
Anthony Davis’ MRI is scheduled to take place in Minneapolis, the team announced. Los Angeles faces the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
Davis missed two games
Davis had missed two games before returning to practice on Thursday.
On Friday, Davis scored 35 points in a victory over the Memphis Grizzles.
After the game, Davis discussed the rest-versus-play argument.
“It could go away, obviously with rest and things like that, but I’m not trying to rest, so just trying to keep it as loose as possible,” Davis told reporters.
Being cautious
A day earlier, Anthony Davis explained that he is concerned about his Achilles and doesn’t want to treat it like any other ailment, ESPN reported.
“I think every other game … I’ve wanted to play in. This is just a different circumstance with it being an Achilles,” Davis said Thursday. “If it was a quad or finger, anything like that, I wouldn’t mind playing. But I just don’t really want to play around with an Achilles.”
Vogel says no cause for alarm
Lakers coach Frank Vogel acknowledged that the team is trying to err on the side of caution in dealing with Anthony Davis’ Achilles.
“AD has some soreness in the Achilles area,” Vogel said earlier in the week. “It’s nothing to be really concerned about but just wanted to be precautionary in holding him out tonight.”
AD a key to championship puzzle
In October, Anthony Davis played a pivotal role in helping the Lakers capture their first NBA title since 2010.
This season, Davis is averaging 22.9 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22 games.