Lakers' Anthony Davis could be back by month end
After what initially seemed like a long term injury, the Lakers can count their lucky stars, as their big man in the middle could return sooner than expected.
There may be a silver lining to the cloud that's hung over the Lakers recently, their All-Star center has started training for the first time after a serious injury.
Lakers' Anthony Davis trains!
According to reports on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers' center Anthony Davis participated in an individual on-court workout. Having sustained what seemed to be a severe knee injury a month ago to the day, this is great news for the Lakers as they have struggled in recent weeks. Indeed, there is even talk of the notion that Davis may return to the Lakers' lineup as early as the end of January. Should that prove true, it would be a dramatic turn around for both player and team given that there were initial fears that Davis' season had come to an end.
What happened to Anthony Davis and how did he cope?
It was during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 17th when Davis collided with Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels resulting in an injury to his left knee. In the moments immediately following the collision, a clearly distressed Davis could be seen struggling to walk down the tunnel to the locker room. An MRI on the next day would reveal that Davis has suffered - though very a painful - a simple sprain. While it was understandably a blow to the team and to Davis himself, the All-Star who said he was in "good spirits," having faced injury layoffs before. David missed half of the regular season last year due to injury. "Just thinking to myself that this is another journey of being able to get my mind, body right," Davis said on Dec. 19. "So, use this time to get fully healthy and come back better than ever."
How have the Lakers been doing?
As a result of his injury, Davis has missed the Lakers' last 12 games, during which time the team has performed less than credibly as they registered a 5-7 record. As things stand now, Los Angeles are facing three games against Denver, Utah and Indiana before going on the road for a six game stretch, which is to say if there was a time that they needed a boost, its right now. Having lost their last two games including most recently away to the Sacramento Kings in a 125-117 disappointment, the Lakers have most definitely failed to hit their stride this season. LeBron James for his part has stepped up to the plate. With an average of 30 points in 11 of his last 12 games, one can't really ask for more.
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Yet the lull continues. head coach Frank Vogel spoke directly to the issue after a film session, saying "All the breakdowns of the Kings game. Gave up 70 points in the paint. You're not going to win if you do that. So called every single one of them out and showed all the ways they can be better."
Anthony Davis by the numbers
While the Lakers have had a slow start collectively, the fact remains that Anthony Davis' absence does not help. With 10 years under his belt, the veteran was averaging 23.3 points for 52.1% shooting, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.2 steals on the season so far. His injury couldn't have come at a worse time. As for right here and now? As per reports, Davis has been training with a large brace on his left knee, however, it is understood that he is "moving well."