Lakers Encouraged By Anthony Davis’ Progress

The Lakers still hope to have Anthony Davis back before the playoffs begin, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Saturday on “NBA Countdown” (hat tip to RealGM).

Davis hasn’t played since injuring his right foot in a February 16 game, but he’s reportedly progressing through rehab and has a chance to return before the regular season wraps up in four weeks.

“His walking boot is off, and I’m told this week the next step for him is he’ll get on the court and start to do some stationary shooting,” Wojnarowski said. “And they still, with 16 games left for the Lakers and the toughest schedule left in the league, the expectation is that they can still hang onto the play-in and get in the postseason and they can have Anthony Davis back.”

It’s been another injury-plagued season for Davis, who has played in just 37 games after appearing in 36 last year. He’s averaging 23.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per night, and the Lakers will need him to have any hope of advancing through the playoffs.

That’s what the team is planning, according to Woj, who indicates that the focus is on getting Davis healthy for a postseason run. Despite a recent slump, the ninth-place Lakers hold a three-game lead over the No. 11 Trail Blazers for a play-in spot.

“They’re not punting on this season. Anthony Davis wants to be back, this team wants him back,” Wojnarowski said. “He’ll make more progress this week they hope, and he’ll have another MRI which will be about four weeks out from the injury, and the hope is that he can then start progressing towards returning before the postseason begins.”

View Comments (36)