Lakers Rumors: Optimism Anthony Davis Plays vs. Warriors After Aggravating Eye Injury

Erin WalshApril 8, 2024

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

There is “optimism” Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis will play in Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors after aggravating an eye injury on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Davis suffered the injury during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and was later ruled out.

Dave McMenamin @mctenAnthony Davis is being treated for an eye injury that he previously needed to receive medical attention for after a loss to the Golden State Warriors, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.

Davis played 12 minutes before exiting the game and recorded four points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Star forward LeBron James sat out Sunday’s game with flu-like symptoms.

Davis suffered a left eye contusion in the first quarter of a 128-121 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 16. McMenamin had previously reported that Davis’ eye had been swollen shut and that his vision was impaired after being inadvertently hit while driving to the basket.

Davis has been mostly healthy this season after being hindered by various ailments over the past few years.

Along with the eye injury, Davis also missed time earlier this season with hip and Achilles injuries. He had been dealing with hip issues since November.

Aside from those ailments, Davis has put together a solid season. He’s averaging 24.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 blocks in 64 games while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor and 28.0 percent from deep.

The Lakers, though, have struggled to keep up in the competitive Western Conference. The Purple and Gold sit in ninth in the West with a 45-35 record after Sunday’s loss.

If L.A. hopes to make a run at the NBA Finals, the franchise will need Davis to remain healthy alongside James down the stretch.