Anthony Davis (back injury) pledges to join Lakers for playoffs

Published April 15, 2024 at 2:08 PM
BY KEVIN BARREAU

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their regular season on Sunday, with Anthony Davis receiving treatment for back spasms in the locker room after a late-game incident against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite this setback, Davis assured he'll return to play in Tuesday's postseason opener. The Lakers secured the No. 8 seed and a place in the Western Conference play-in tournament, setting up a rematch with the No. 7 seed Pelicans. The winner will advance to face the defending champion No. 2-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round.

After putting up 30 points on 13-for-17 shooting, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 33 minutes, Davis declared,

"There's no doubt that I'm going to play."

The Lakers' star center, who sat out most of two recent losses against the Timberwolves and Warriors due to a facial injury sustained in the Timberwolves game, showcased dominance until the fourth quarter Sunday. At the 5:52 mark, Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. pushed Davis in the back during an attempted offensive rebound after Lakers guard Gabe Vincent missed a layup.

Davis attributed the contact to a "hyperextension" upon landing, which caused his back to "lock up." Expressing frustration, Davis took issue with Nance's actions during the play.

"I was in the air," Davis said. "Obviously it's a dangerous play. I know he's not a dirty player."

Davis expressed that he would have pushed through the discomfort if the game were tighter and crucial for the Lakers. Exiting with 5:22 left and receiving treatment from athletic trainer Jon Ishop while the Lakers were comfortably leading by 21, Davis plans to try out heating pads under his jersey to maintain back flexibility for Tuesday's game.

Despite Davis's standout performance before the setback, LeBron James's contribution was equally remarkable. The Lakers hold a 3-1 record against the Pelicans this season, including crucial matchups like the in-season tournament semifinals and Sunday's game, where a Pelicans win could have secured them the No. 6 seed and a first-round matchup against Minnesota, avoiding the play-in tournament.

Source ESPN : Anthony Davis (back) vows to play when Lakers' postseason begins
Source RealGM : Anthony Davis Says There Is 'No Doubt' He'll Play Tuesday

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April 15 \| 22 answers Anthony Davis (back injury) pledges to join Lakers for playoffs Do you think the Lakers will win vs the Pelicans in the play-in?
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