In Monday night’s 115-103 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Los Angeles Lakers lost the war and the fight. Anthony Davis worsened an old offseason injury in the fourth quarter, putting him in danger of missing a game or two. The team also dropped to 4-3 on the season, bringing them closer to the pack after an astonishing 3-0 start.
Following an entry pass from LeBron James, Davis planted his left foot firmly with 4:46 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ loss, prompting an examination, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The training staff promptly sought medical care after the Lakers’ star big man grasped at the back of his left foot, close to the heel, during the following dead ball.
The good news is that Davis remained in the game until the very end, so he was not forced to leave. However, given that he has been battling this kind of ailment since the offseason, a more thorough medical evaluation may be necessary to determine whether he will be able to play in the Lakers’ upcoming games, starting on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, according to McMenamin, Davis is a “real day-to-day” for the time being.
“I’ll speak with my trainer and try to figure out what’s going on.” To be honest, I’ve been handling it since this summer, and I aim to be on the floor throughout every game. And I kind of hit the spot that has been killing me right there. Therefore, we’ll work it out,” Davis stated.
Given that Davis has been playing at an MVP level for the first seven games of the season, the Lakers will find it difficult to endure his absence. The Lakers will be severely lacking on both sides of the court without Davis, who scored 37 points on 13–23 shooting from the field even in the defeat to the Pistons.
Davis is averaging 32.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 57 percent from the field this season. The Lakers might be better off playing the long haul rather than making Davis play through an injury because he has a history of suffering a variety of injuries that usually keep him out for a few games at a time.
Do the Lakers need to get involved in the trade market now?
When the Lakers seemed to be a much better team to start the 2024–25 season, it first appeared like their decision to forgo making a big offseason acquisition would be validated. However, the Lakers might need to act more urgently in the trade market now that they’re settling back down.
The Lakers’ defense might be in ruins if Davis misses time because of his foot issue. Their only other healthy center on the roster is Jaxson Hayes, who hasn’t exactly done anything to merit a significant role. Additionally, the Pistons thrashed them on the glass on Monday night, which may indicate that the franchise needs to make a trade for Walker Kessler.
