NBA playoffs: Anthony Davis cleared to play Game 6 vs. Suns
UPDATE: Davis exited Thursday's game midway through the first quarter after appearing to re-aggravate his groin injury.
With his team on the brink of elimination, Anthony Davis has been cleared to play in Game 6 on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis (groin) intends to play tonight in Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @YahooSports, @NBAonTNT.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 4, 2021
The Los Angeles Lakers star, who missed half of Game 4 and all of Game 5 with a groin strain, had been officially listed as questionable for the game. The Suns currently lead the Lakers 3-2 in their first-round series.
Davis exited Game 4 after falling to the ground following a lay-up, and had noticeable trouble walking to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and was ruled out for Game 5 days later.
AD still hasn't returned to the game after leaving the 1st half with injury pic.twitter.com/G91dEbk6w5
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 30, 2021
The loss of Davis, who averaged 27.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 blocks in the first three games of the series, has been noticeable. The Suns have outscored the Lakers 164-127 in the game-and-a-half since Davis' exit, with Los Angeles struggling heavily on offense. The team shot only 34.5 percent from the field in Game 5.
Amid that blowout loss on Tuesday, Davis at least signaled he should be back soon. He flashed six fingers and nodded when it became clear the Lakers didn't have it in Game 5. Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes also reported that Davis told teammates he was going to push to play in Game 5, but was dissuaded by LeBron James, who advised him not to rush a return with the injury.
Now, Davis is on the verge of making his return to the court. The fate of the Lakers' season could rest on just how ready he is to make a difference.
Lakers making change at center
Davis' planned return isn't the only new reported change for the Lakers.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Marc Gasol is replacing Andre Drummond as starting center.
The Lakers are planning to move Marc Gasol into the starting lineup in place of Andre Drummond, sources tell me and @jovanbuha.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2021
It's the latest move in the Lakers' carousel at center. Drummond was acquired at midseason to become the starting center after inconsistent play from Gasol and Montrezl Harrell, but now the Lakers are going back to Gasol to square off against Suns big man Deandre Ayton.
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