Wizards’ Deni Avdija Out vs. Lakers with Migraine After LeBron James Flagrant Foul

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVApril 4, 2024

Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija left Wednesday’s 125-120 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and was ruled out due to a migraine.

Avdija wasn’t on the floor when the fourth quarter opened. With 3:12 left in the second, he was inadvertently elbowed by Lakers star LeBron James while James was driving into the paint. The four-time MVP was assessed a flagrant-1 foul.

Avdija stayed in the game and hit two free throws. He finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal in his 22 minutes on the floor.

The 23-year-old is in the midst of his best season. Entering Wednesday, he was setting career highs across the board with 14.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. His field-goal percentage (50.8) and three-point percentage (37.9) are on pace to be personal bests as well.

In an interview broadcast before the game, Avdija said a different mental approach has helped fuel his improvement:

Monumental Sports Network @MonSportsNet”I don’t let plays or moments determine how I play like I used to.”

Watch Deni Avdija and the @WashWizards take on the Lakers at home 🏡

Anyone can watch tonight’s action with our FREE PREVIEW! 📺 pic.twitter.com/UPfce40JUS

His general development has provided a bright spot amid a campaign that’s set to be the worst in franchise history. Amid the rebuild, the 2020 first-round pick looks like he can be a long-term part of the roster.

Avdija’s availability moving forward is unclear. Washington is back in action Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers with five games left on the schedule.