Lakers' Anthony Davis carried off court after awful ankle injury early vs. Jazz
While initial reports are good, Anthony Davis left the floor at Crypto.com Arena early in an immense amount of pain on Wednesday night.
Davis, minutes before halftime of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-101 win over the Utah Jazz, went to catch a lob pass from Malik Monk right in front of the rim. As Davis came down in front of Rudy Gobert, however, Davis’ right ankle landed completely on its side and bent sideways.
Davis collapsed to the court in agony, and started rolling around in pain while grabbing his ankle.
After quite some time down under the rim, Davis was eventually helped up and was essentially carried off the court while putting no weight on his ankle. Davis went straight to the locker room, and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Anthony Davis couldn't put any weight on his right ankle and had to be carried off the court. pic.twitter.com/5ZBiQp6EC4
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 17, 2022
Despite the graphic nature of his injury, initial X-rays on Davis’ ankle came back negative. He is set to get an MRI on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, which should provide more insight into the injury. The Lakers said that he will receive treatment over the All-Star break, and then a timeline will be determined for his return next week.
Davis finished the night with 17 points and two rebounds in 17 minutes. He’s averaged 23.3 points and 9.9 rebounds in 36 games so far this season. This injury is just his latest this year for the Lakers, as he’s missed significant time earlier in the season with a knee injury.
"Obviously I'm sickened to see AD go down in that fashion," LeBron James said, via the OC Register's Kyle Goon. "I've seen it too many times, obviously."
The Lakers rallied back in the fourth quarter thanks to a huge 16-2 run late that LeBron James capped with seven straight points, to take the lead for the first time since the opening minutes. They then held on, thanks to three free throws from Russell Westbrook and a 3-pointer from Austin Reaves to take the win.
James finished with 33 points and eight rebounds, and Westbrook added 17 points win the win, which snapped a three-game losing skid.
Though the victory is helpful headed into the break, Davis' injury looms over the next week and a half. Depending on how that goes, the second half of the season could be a tough one for James and the Lakers.
