After sustaining an elbow to the face from Kevon Looney during the LA Lakers’ 121-106 Game 5 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Anthony Davis was taken off the court for further assessment. However, both LeBron James and Darvin Ham sounded optimistic about his potential return for Game 6.
“Medical team says he’s been doing better, so that’s what matters the most,” said James, highlighting the importance of Davis’ well-being over anything else.
Similarly, Ham reflected on the situation, saying, “He seems to be doing really good already,” suggesting that the Lakers’ star forward was in good spirits despite the potential injury.
Early reports indicated that Davis had avoided a concussion, despite being carried off the court in a wheelchair, and was doing much better. This news would come as a sigh of relief for the Lakers, who were entering Game 5 as the underdogs despite having a 3-1 advantage in the semi-finals series.
LeBron on his level of concern about AD:
"I didn’t see the (elbow from Looney), I just saw the aftermath. The medical team said he’s doing better, so that’s what matters the most.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 11, 2023
The Lakers had the momentum of winning the last two games, but the Warriors came out with extra force in the hopes of avoiding being sent home on their home court. Davis’ absence in Game 5 could have hampered their chances of capitalizing on their 3-2 advantage, making Game 6 even more crucial for the Lakers.
With a 6-0 record at home in the postseason, including the play-in tournament, the Lakers’ best shot at winning the series is in Game 6 at LA. While there’s no guarantee that Davis will be ready to play, the early signs suggest that he’s on the right path.
The Lakers will need to rally around each other and put forth a strong effort in Game 6, knowing that a win would secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals. As James put it, “We’re looking forward to the challenge. We’re excited about it. We’ll be ready.”
LeBron James Pushes Through Ankle Injury to Lead Lakers in Game 5: Ready to Dominate Game 6
The LA Lakers are just one win away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs after taking a 3-2 lead against the Golden State Warriors. However, their chances of sealing the series are highly dependent on the health of their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
While James was able to play through an ankle injury sustained in Game 5, Davis was forced to leave the game early due to a shot to the face. Fortunately, early reports suggest that Davis avoided a concussion, and he is expected to play in Game 6.
Davis has been a crucial part of the Lakers’ success in the postseason, especially on the defensive end. He has limited the Warriors’ offense and played a significant role in the Lakers’ victories.
If the Lakers are to close out the series at home in Game 6, they will need Davis to continue his dominant play. With a healthy James and Davis leading the charge, the Lakers remain heavily favored to advance to the next round.
