Lakers’ playoff lives, once again, hinge on Anthony Davis’ health
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to close out the Golden State Warriors, all eyes are on Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have missed out on an opportunity to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals in Game 5 on the road, but that is far from the focus of the team today. Right now, the Lakers are hoping that Anthony Davis, who left Game 5 with a head injury, did not suffer a concussion.
There won’t be any full clarity on that until AD is further examined by the team doctors.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, AD is expected to undergo most tests Thursday to ultimately determine his availability for a crucial Game 6 in Los Angeles. While there is some initial optimism that AD did avoid a concussion, that can’t entirely be ruled out until further tests are completed.
Windy did note that if he indeed does go into concussion protocol, AD is likely going to miss Games 6 and 7 of this series.
Anthony Davis has been the best player for the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason run
It can’t be said enough how good AD has been for the Lakers during this postseason run. It’s his excellent play and dominance that has been the difference in the team’s first two rounds of the playoffs, first against the Memphis Grizzlies and now against the defending NBA Champions.
AD is averaging 22 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists on 53 percent shooting from the field. He’s been the best player on the Lakers and the one player on the team that the Warriors can’t seem to match up with. If he is suddenly out of Game 6 and this series, it completely changes the complexity between the Lakers and Warriors.
For as good as the Lakers have been in the playoffs, it would seem unlikely that this team could be the Warriors without AD. Golden State is too good of a team and too well-coached of a team to not take advantage of such a loss.
Once again, the Lakers find themselves in a familiar situation. Their playoff lives and championship hopes now fall on the results of a further examination that AD will undergo.
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The Lakers are still sitting in a great spot to advance to the conference finals, but all eyes are now on AD. The Lakers need some good news on the injury front regarding AD. We should know more about his injury and possible availability later today.