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The Los Angeles Lakers are going to have to get used to life without superstar Anthony Davis.
The former Kentucky Wildcats star had an MRI after leaving Sunday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets. The imaging revealed a mild calf strain, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Anthony Davis' MRI revealed a calf strain and a re-aggravation of the right Achilles tendonosis, source said. Once Davis returns to Los Angeles, he'll immediately get another evaluation there. It is extremely unlikely Davis returns to lineup prior to ASG break ending March 10.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
The right Achilles tendonosis seems to be a much more pressing issue that could be troubling for Davis’s long-term future. The Lakers will need Davis at full strength in order to truly have a chance at repeating as champions.
They’re said to be taking a “conservative” approach to Davis’s return. The Lakers, without Davis, will make the playoffs, and they’ll do all they can to make sure he’ll be 100 percent when they get there.
Davis has been on a tear this season. He’s averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Averaging his fewest minutes since being a rookie, Davis’s injury should be extra concerning given his lighter workout.
It’s also concerning to see Davis’s lower-leg injury given how many other NBA stars have recently seen their season completely written off by an Achilles tear.
Five-time All-Star Klay Thompson and former MVP Kevin Durant are just a few of the names that have had significant Achilles injuries. That said, the Lakers will need to re-evaluate Davis and hope that they can create a proper route for his recovery.
Playing in over 55 games in each of his eight other NBA seasons, Davis hasn’t really struggled with being able to stay on the court. For a big man, he’s had a stellar reputation of staying available.
Davis is the key to everything for the Lakers, and the duo of Davis and James is the best in the NBA. Now, they’ll just have to wait and be patient with the seven-time All-Star center who is coming off his only NBA title run.
While a conservative approach may be taken, the season is still young, and there should be hope he returns at some point in the next few months.