SUMMARY
- Anthony Davis scored 30 points to compliment LeBron James' triple-double during the Lakers' win against NOLA.
- Darvin Ham revealed that Davis suffered from back spasms during the game.
Anthony Davis played a massive role during the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers had a lot to lose coming into this matchup as it would’ve determined the outcome of their Play-In Tournament situation. However, the 124-108 victory was much needed to set the tone for their upcoming clash against NOLA on Tuesday. This recent game had some incredible stat lines to keep note of as well.
Davis scored 30 points along with 11 rebounds to lead the Lakers offensively. Defensively, he tried his best to get stops within the paint and Davis also finished with 2 steals. LeBron James was the star of the show finishing with a 28 points, 11 rebound, and 17 assist triple-double. He became the fourth player in NBA history to record 11,000 assists. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves also scored well recording a combined total of 39 points.
Anthony Davis has been dealing with back spasms
It isn’t a secret that Anthony Davis has been dealing with multiple injuries this season, yet he still managed to appear for 76 games. This is the most number of games he has ever appeared in during his career. Darvin Ham revealed that Davis was suffering from back spams during the Lakers-Pelicans clash but it wasn’t too serious. However, during the game, Davis was pushed by Larry Nance Jr. while he was airborne.
Darvin Ham says that Anthony Davis was dealing with a spasm, calling it “nothing major.” He added he was “extremely optimistic” about Davis moving forward with Tuesday’s play-in game looming.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 14, 2024
The fourth-quarter mishap ended up aggravating the back ailment and Davis exited the floor right after it. However, the injury could have been much worse if there was more contact. Davis hasn’t sustained too much damage and the Lakers are optimistic that he will return with full force to face the Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament. His presence will be vital to help the Lakers win the Play-In Tournament game for the 7th seed.
Anthony Davis calls out Larry Nance Jr. for a selfish play
Anthony Davis did not remain silent about Nance Jr’s careless play during the Lakers vs Pelicans game. During the locker room interview, he said, “My back just locked up. It’s nothing concerning. You know, when I was in the air it was probably just a dangerous play. I know you’ve got to do your part. But you know, when I’m in the air, you get shoved in the back… [it leads to] hyperextension and it just locks up.”
Anthony Davis called the push from Larry Nance Jr. a “dangerous play” but said there was “no doubt” he will be ready to play in the play-in game on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/WhFeDjm12o
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 14, 2024
“Yeah, no doubt that I’m going to play. Let’s see how I feel for the rest of the day. I’ll get some massages, some treatment. Just keep it loose and see how I feel over the next 24 hours,” he concluded. The Lakers do not resume play until Tuesday and Davis can get the treatment he needs. Davis has been their biggest defensive asset and ranks third in DPOY odds this season. He has also been averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.