Lakers coach Darvin Ham said he expects Anthony Davis will play Friday night in Los Angeles, adding that the eight-time All-Star big man is “not showing any signs of anything” and is not in the NBA’s concussion protocol after getting struck in the head late in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs.
“We checked in with him, and he’s feeling great,” Ham added. “The update from our medical personnel was excellent. He isn’t covered under the concussion protocol.
For the decisive Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors, Davis will be labelled as likely.
It’s enormous, Ham remarked. He serves as the focal point of our efforts on both sides of the ball and for our overall success rate. Therefore, that was fantastic news.
Golden State’s Kevon Looney looked to accidentally shoot Davis in the head halfway in the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ 121-106 victory in San Francisco.
With 7:43 left, Davis grimaced and grasped at his head on the bench before leaving for the locker room. On a driving layup by D’Angelo Russell of the Lakers, he and Looney fought for position in the paint.
Davis reportedly needed a wheelchair to go to the locker room, but he left Chase Centre on his own, according to TNT.
Ham affirmed that Davis had been properly evaluated by the Lakers’ medical staff for any potential head injuries.
“We follow protocol, not just with AD, but with any of our players, any of our employees,” Ham added.
The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Davis finished with 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting, nine rebounds and three assists, but didn’t block a shot.
Austin Reaves, a teammate, said after the game that Los Angeles will be prepared with or without Davis.
“Obviously, AD is huge to what we do. I think he’ll play, but if not, we still have NBA basketball players who have competed this season without him,” Reaves said. “A huge game is never something you want to play without a player like him. But that’s how the game is designed.
As they exited Game 5, Stephen Curry and the Warriors fully anticipated seeing AD in Game 6.
“I have no idea what happened to him or what his situation is,” Curry said, “but I would say yeah.
More in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/
Photo Credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/