Anthony Davis out vs. Pacers with ankle injury
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without one of their stars when they play the Indiana Pacers on the road Tuesday — Anthony Davis, who rolled his right ankle on Sunday against Atlanta, will not suit up.
The Lakers say that Anthony Davis (ankle) is out tonight vs. IND.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 17, 2019
Davis was a gametime decision prior to the tip, but was seen in the locker room in street clothes and was ultimately ruled out. According to head coach Frank Vogel, Davis has a mild sprain and has stayed off the ankle since the injury. It does not seem serious, though, considering Vogel said Davis did not have an MRI. This will be Davis’ second missed game this season. Jared Dudley will likely see an increase in minutes to replace AD.
No need to rush AD back
Davis is a huge reason why the Lakers are a league-best 24-3, averaging 27.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game, forming an elite tandem with LeBron James in his first season in Los Angeles. Given the record, the Lakers probably don’t feel a need to rush their big man back from injury.
The 26-year-old has a well-documented injury past, dating back to his time with the New Orleans Pelicans. But having James as a teammate surely lessens the pressure for Davis to play through injuries in LA.
The Lakers begin a four-game stretch against contending teams on Tuesday. After playing at Indiana, the Lakers will face the East-leading Milwaukee Bucks on the road Thursday, followed by home games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. All four games will be nationally televised.
They are rolling, having won seven straight entering Tuesday. Having already established themselves as a championship favorite, the Lakers would be wise to give their superstars time to heal to ensure their health come playoff time. It appears like Davis is getting that treatment in Indiana.
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