Lakers’ Anthony Davis Admits He’s in Pain on Every Play
Over the first few weeks of the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been off to a strong start, holding one of the best records in the Western Conference. It has seen their duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead the charge while their defense has been among the top in the NBA. However, Davis has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury over the last couple of weeks. With that in mind, Davis has made a revealing admission about the ailment.
Anthony Davis off to a strong start
When the Lakers acquired Davis in a blockbuster deal over the offseason, the hope was that he could quickly and effectively become the centerpiece of their offensive game plan. He has done just that while his elite level of production, along with being a significant factor on the other end of the floor.
Davis is currently averaging a double-double with 26.6 points and 10.2 rebounds along with 3.1 blocks while shooting 48.3% from the field. That included him tallying a 40-point, and 20-rebound game in the win over the Memphis Grizzlies, which included setting the franchise record with 26 made free throws.
The 26-year-old has been everything the Lakers had anticipated, but he has been hindered a bit since the Grizzlies game due to a shoulder injury. In light of that, Davis recently made some intriguing comments about the entire situation.
Anthony Davis discusses his shoulder injury
In the time that has followed the injury, Davis had, for the most part, downplayed any significance to the ailment. He had initially denied that he was dealing with any issues after the win against the Grizzlies.
The conversation around the injury has shifted a bit, with Davis being more open about how he feels physically, with him acknowledging that it has not gone away. He voiced following Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors that there continues to be constant pain, according to Kyle Goon of the Southern California News Group.
On top of that, Davis has voiced that his status for Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns depends on how he feels physically after his pregame workout. It has become something that he has had to deal with daily that requires him to test his pain tolerance on a nightly basis.
Davis may not be not overly concerned about the entire situation, but given his lengthy injury history, it’s hard to bush this aside as something minor, especially for the Lakers, who are hoping he can help lead them to an NBA title.
Lakers will monitor Anthony Davis’ health
It’s still quite early in the season, but the fact that Davis is already having health issues is something that should draw the Lakers’ attention. He has become the driving force on both ends of the floor, while it has helped accentuate the stellar play from James.
There is no reason to push it physically at this point for Davis to take the floor if he doesn’t like he can hold up to his standard. Los Angeles is focused on the long-term picture, with them competing deep into the playoffs for an NBA title. They will need Davis to be healthy, to make those aspirations become a legitimate possibility.
What should create some sort pause for the Lakers is that he had dealt with a shoulder injury last season that hampered him through much of the year. However, the fact that Davis has been able to play at an elite level is an encouraging sign that it’s not a significant injury.
Nonetheless, these comments from their star forward alone should emphasize the importance of keeping him healthy for the long haul of the season.
