It looks like Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers may have dodged a major bullet following his head injury during their Game 5 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of a surprise birth in the Western Conference Finals. However, in their first opportunity to punch their ticket to the next round, the team fell short to the Warriors on Wednesday night by a score of 121-106.
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Their chances to eliminate Golden State were severely damaged when superstar big man Anthony Davis took a shot to the head from Warriors center Kevon Looney that knocked him out of the game midway through the fourth quarter.
Following the game, there were concerns that the eight-time All-Star would have to enter the NBA’s concussion protocols and miss at least the next matchup in the series.
Fortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers and their center, it looks like he will be back for Game 6. On Wednesday evening, TNT NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Anthony Davis did avoid suffering a concussion during the team’s loss. However, on Thursday he followed up on that story by revealing Davis “is expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday barring a setback.”
Following the news, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told the media later in the day that Davis was “not in the protocol and not showing any signs of anything.” As well as the fact that he is probable for tomorrow’s matchup.
Anthony Davis’ massive influence on Los Angeles Lakers 2023 NBA playoffs success
While injuries have haunted the majority of Anthony Davis’ career, when he is on the floor he can be one of the best players in the NBA. He has shown that time and again during the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Despite playing on a team with league legend and all-time scoring leader Lebron James, he has been their best player in the postseason — and on both sides of the floor. Over the team’s first 11 playoff games, Davis is scoring 21.5 points per game, but his 13.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks are the best of his career in the postseason.
Davis is a key player on offense for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he is having an impact on several facets of games, especially in being an elite rip protector. Earlier this week, James called him the best defensive player in the league currently.