Los Angeles Lakers All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis missed the team’s 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night due to a left heel injury. With Davis and starting forward Rui Hachimura out, LeBron James had to step up and lead the team.
James scored a game-high 39 points on 15-of-24 shooting from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range, and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds, handed out six assists, and got one steal in the loss.
Guards Austin Reaves (19 points) and D’Angelo Russell (12 points in just over 21 minutes) along with small forward Cam Reddish (15 points) were the only other Lakers players to score in double digits.
With Davis out, backup center Jaxson Hayes started in his place. Hayes scored eight points, shooting 3-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 10 rebounds.
Two-way center Christian Koloko made his first NBA appearance since his rookie season in 2022-23 after being cleared to play following a year off due to blood clots. Koloko played for 13 minutes, recording two points and two rebounds.
Shams Charania from ESPN has provided more details on Davis’ injury and how long he’s been dealing with it. According to Charania, the Lakers are hopeful Davis will play on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The injury is described as a nagging foot and heel issue that Davis has been managing since the end of last season. He played through it during the summer while competing in the Olympics.
While there is no structural damage to his foot, it is an issue Davis will need to manage based on his pain tolerance. The Lakers are hoping that a couple of days off will help him recover enough to play on Friday.
At 31 years old, Davis is currently the league’s top scorer, so his absence is significant. He’s also an All-Defensive team player and plays a major role in the Lakers’ defense, especially around the basket. This season, he is averaging 32.6 points on 57.1% shooting from the field and 78.6% from the free-throw line, along with 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that the team expects Davis to try to play on Friday, but Charania pointed out that the Lakers have struggled without him. Davis has been dominant on both ends of the floor, and the team is hoping to get him back as soon as possible.
If Davis does return on Friday against Philadelphia, he will face his former teammate Andre Drummond in the paint, but All-Star center Joel Embiid will not be playing for Philadelphia as he is serving a three-game suspension.
