Yet Again Anthony Davis’s Back Injury Creates Problems For Him

Star forward Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers was anticipated to start with LeBron James, Patrick Beverley, Russell Westbrook, and Austin Reaves in their preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

Less than an hour before tip-off from T-Mobile Arena, the injured big man was in the Lakers’ starting lineup. Davis unexpectedly left the game late due to what the Lakers are describing as lower back stiffness.

Normally, we wouldn’t even mention it if a star player skipped a preseason game that had no real significance. AD, however, is not your normal star athlete. He’s dealt with a variety of injuries over the last two seasons, but if the Lakers are to bounce back from their 49-loss 2021–22 season, he needs to stay healthy.

In 2020, Anthony Davis reached the pinnacle of his ten-year NBA career. The Lakers won their first NBA title under LeBron James, thanks in large part to the nine-time NBA “All-Star,” who was a Top 5 player in the league. Additionally, it was their first NBA championship since 2010.

One of the best postseason campaigns from a player since the 2000s was Davis’ effort during the 2020 Playoffs.

Where It All Started to Go Down For Anthony Davis?

He has endured numerous injury-plagued seasons since the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship-winning season, making it impossible for him to compete successfully every night.

Davis sustained a calf/Achilles injury during the 2020–2021 season. He was out for more than half of the season due to an Achilles injury, appearing in just 36 games for the Lakers.

Let’s jump ahead to the 2021–2022 season. When Anthony Davis ended up getting hurt, having suffered a damaged MCL, what had initially started as an optimistic season would soon dash the aspirations of supporters. The Lakers suffered a brutal loss.

He would then be stopped in his campaign once more after making a spectacular return. This time, after falling on Rudy Gobert in the lane, it happened as a mid-foot sprain.

Do you anticipate Davis returning on time? Will he be successful in playing all 82 games as planned? Can you, more crucially, assist the Lakers in winning a championship this year?

Anthony Davis Injury History 

Davis is reportedly being benched by the Lakers out of “an excess of caution.” It makes sense, given that Wednesday’s game will not have any significance in the big picture.

It is hoped that this is not a sign of things to come in the future. Davis missed 42 games last season as a result of a right ankle injury and an MCL sprain in the knee. The eight-time All-Star missed 36 games in 2020–21 because of problems with his right calf and heel.

All told, Davis has missed 78 of 154 games over the past two seasons (51%) out of a potential 154. He has continued to perform well on the floor over that time

Anthony Davis’s statistics for the upcoming season are as follows: 22.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 51% shooting.
Unfortunately, Davis’ injury problems have directly contributed to the Lakers’ failure. In the 42 games he missed last season, Los Angeles had a 15-27 record.

Hopefully, the Lakers are keeping their cards close to their chest for a pointless game in early October. But there should always be some caution when discussing the lower back and a player of Davis’ calibre.

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