The last thing the Los Angeles Lakers can afford at this stage of the season is injuries. The team is barely hanging on to a play-in spot with just 14 games remaining in the season. A 128-121 loss to in-state rivals and fellow play-in hopefuls the Golden State Warriors on Saturday was a major setback for an organization that could potentially miss out on the playoffs for a second time in three seasons.
One defeat will not define the Lakers year but the loss of nine-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis could be a factor as we approach the final stages of the season. Davis was forced out of the game after an elbow to the eye from Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis in the first quarter. The Lakers’ big man missed the remainder of the game, finishing with just 8 points and 4 rebounds on the night.
According to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin, Davis struggled with his vision after the shot to the left eye and experienced some swelling. The 31-year-old will have the day off on Sunday and will be evaluated before the team’s home matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
Anthony Davis’ vision was impaired and his eye was swollen shut after the contact, a source familiar with the injury told ESPN. Davis will be monitored overnight and Sunday to determine his availability Monday against Atlanta
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 17, 2024
LeBron James continues to be the headline name on this Lakers roster but Davis’ influence should not be overlooked. This season, he is averaging 24.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.6 assist, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Saturday’s loss means the Lakers drop to 10th place in the Western Conference with a 36-32 record. The are now just 3.5 games ahead of the Houston Rockets and 6.5 games ahead of the Utah Jazz. After the Hawks, Darvin Ham’s team faces the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers before a difficult game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin.
