The Los Angeles Lakers have come a long way since starting the season 2-11. They are currently in the playoffs, with a chance to climb as high as fifth in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the West standings are still very much in flux, and they could fall as low as 10th. They would likely want to avoid that scenario, but with several of their best players injured, coming back from injury, or an injury risk, they may opt to play it safe.
That would ensure that whoever they face in the playoffs, or the play-in tournament, would be facing them at full strength. But does that mean that Los Angeles will actually rest one of their stars?
Anthony Davis’ injury status for the Lakers’ game at the Clippers on April 5th
Davis has battled injuries this entire season—his entire career, really—and was forced to play big minutes in the Lakers’ big overtime win against the Utah Jazz on April 4. That win was obviously huge for the team’s playoff chances, but according to Dave McMenamin, it was also the first night of a back-to-back. The Lakers are set to play the Clippers only 24 hours later, but the team may decide to rest Davis, though he is not officially listed on the injury report.
Los Angeles’ full injury report
Joining Davis in possibly sitting out the game against the Clippers are D’Angelo Russell and Mo Bamba. Russell is expected to be out with a foot injury, while Bamba has an ankle injury, respectively.
Los Angeles Lakers upcoming games
With only three games left in the regular season, the Lakers might favor resting Davis over postseason positioning. That is complicated by the Lakers and Clippers having the same record, however. A victory over the Clippers would allow the Lakers to leapfrog them in the standings, putting them sixth and in a potential first-round matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
That may be a matchup the team prefers and could increase their chances of advancing in the playoffs. Here are Los Angeles’ last remaining games:
Wednesday, April 5th, at Clippers 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 7th, Phoenix 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9th, Utah 3:30pm
Ultimately, despite Davis not appearing on the team’s injury report, his status against the Clippers isn’t immediately known.
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Author: Cal Durrett
April 5, 2023 | 10:30 am
