LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers attributed their 128-121 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday to Anthony Davis’ eye injury, emphasizing its impact on the team’s performance.
Davis, a crucial component of the Lakers, was sidelined for most of the game after an accidental collision with Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, which left his left eye swollen shut.
Reflecting on Davis’ absence, James remarked to reporters on how challenging it was to adjust mid-game after preparing for days with him in the lineup. “We tried to pick it up, but, obviously, there’s some things we can’t do without AD,” he noted.
Russell echoed James’ sentiments, highlighting the team’s unfamiliarity with playing without Davis, who has been a constant presence on the court for them this season. Despite commendable efforts from other players like Jackson-Davis, Russell acknowledged the difficulty of facing a well-coached Warriors team, emphasizing that excuses aside, they fell short.
Davis’ injury also raises concerns about his durability, a recurring issue throughout his career. While he has notably played a significant number of games this season, injuries have plagued him in the past.
The Lakers’ dependency on Davis and James was glaringly evident in Saturday’s defeat, underscoring the team’s vulnerability if either of them were to be sidelined, especially given their current standings in 10th place.
Looking ahead, Davis’ availability for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks remains uncertain, further emphasizing the team’s reliance on their star players and the implications of their health for the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.
