The Los Angeles Lakers are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference, hanging on for dear life for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. It hasn’t helped that they have been without star forward Anthony Davis since he suffered an ankle injury back in February.
Davis has been frequently injured for the Lakers this season, playing in only 37 games, which has exacerbated his reputation of being injury-prone amongst many NBA fans.
However, it appears that we finally have a return date for the eight-time All-Star. NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that Davis plans to return for the Lakers matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, barring any potential setbacks.
Lakers star Anthony Davis plans to return Friday vs. the Pelicans, barring setback, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Davis has been sidelined since Feb. 14 due to mid-foot sprain. Big Lakers-Pelicans game with Play-In ramifications.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022
The end of the season will be crucial for the Lakers, who are only ahead of the San Antonio Spurs by half a game in the Western Conference for the final play-in spot.
This news has the NBA world excited to see Davis on the court with the hope that he can solve some of the issues the Lakers have had this season.
Season starts FRIDAY. https://t.co/gsf8PxLqb3
— Christian Rivas (@RadRivas) March 31, 2022
This is big news for the Spurs … going to make it a tough road. Lakers are only marginally disfunctional now instead of fully https://t.co/9exSQeK8pA
— Nick Talbot (@NicholasRTalbot) March 31, 2022
LeBron James is also injured and he will attempt to play on Friday despite a pretty nasty-looking sprained ankle that he suffered on Sunday.
While many are excited to see Davis back on the court, there are concerns that the team is rushing him back too soon. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that Davis will not be 100 percent when he returns on Friday, which has many wondering if it’s really worth it to jeopardize his long-term health over this season.
Key here is Woj saying, “Anthony Davis won’t be 100% in his return for the Lakers” pic.twitter.com/092DJ3n8kk
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) March 31, 2022
It is clear that the Lakers are in panic mode here and attempting to salvage what has been an extremely disappointing season. They need Davis back if they want any chance of making noise in the play-in tournament. However, it may be too little too late to save this disastrous season in Los Angeles.