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Anthony Davis set to be sidelined after ankle sprain during Lakers vs. Jazz game

While the Los Angeles Lakers were able to secure a win against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night, Lakers forward Anthony Davis had to leave the court with a visible agony minutes before halftime when his right ankle landed awkwardly on its side.

Davis’ injury

Davis was in an awkward position when he caught the pass from Malik Monk right in front of the rim. As the 28-year-old was trying to make a rebound, he did not land his feet properly and the former New Orleans Pelican bent his right ankle after having made contact with Jazz center, Rudy Gobert.

“Obviously it’s sickening to see AD(Anthony Davis) go down in that fashion,” the team captain, LeBron James said. “I hope he’s fine. Obviously, I mean, I know he’s not like, great, but obviously, his health is most important for him individually, for our ballclub. I’ve seen [teammates get injured] too many times, obviously. So I just wish him the best.”

Davis went down in visible pain and took several minutes on the floor. Eventually, he was helped up by teammates and carried away straight to the locker room. He was ruled out for the rest of the game starting from the first half.

With Davis’s inability to put any weight to his ankle, the 2017 NBA All-Star Game MVP left the arena on crutches, setting the alarms on for the team.

Davis finished the night with 17 points and two rebounds in 17 minutes. He’s averaged 23.3 points and 9.9 rebounds in 36 games so far this season.

MRI scan

Davis previously had MCL injury on his left knee earlier this season. The three-time NBA block leaders missed 21 games before returning back to the lineup.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that Davis underwent X-rays on Wednesday night. However, more evaluations need to be conducted to define the severity of the injury. The results came back negative with no structural damage on the ankle.

McMenamin also added that the Lakers entered Thursday ninth in the Western Conference at 27-31, six games behind the Denver Nuggets, who are No. 6 — the spot they would have to capture to avoid the play-in tournament. L.A. is four games ahead of the No. 11 New Orleans Pelicans, whom they’ll have to stave off to guarantee at least the play-in spot.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel said ‘Davis has an MRI scheduled for Thursday, and the team said he will be re-evaluated after the upcoming All-Star break,'” as per ESPN.

If Davis were able to recover and return on March 18, the Lakers would have 13 games left to play in the regular season. He is expected to be sidelined for four weeks after the injury.

Game recap

The Lakers rallied back in the fourth quarter to 16-2 run that took the lead for the first time since the opening. James hit seven straight points. With Davis gone, Russell Westbrook gave three free throws and a 3-pointer from Austin Reaves to take the win.

James finished with 33 points and eight rebounds, and Westbrook added 17 points, which snapped the three-game losing skid for Los Angeles.


Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. (wikipedia)


Anthony Davis

Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He plays the power forward and center positions. (wikipedia)