Anthony Davis' injury battle adds new chapter; Lakers star expected to miss one month

It was the start of dreams for Anthony Davis this season, however, his dreams just got postponed. The Lakers’ center will miss multiple weeks after an injury to his right foot occurred during the Purple and Gold’s Friday night win against the Denver Nuggets.

AD was hooping early on vs. Denver, where he posted 10 points in the first quarter before injuring his foot towards the end of the first. Davis’ quick start wasn’t to the surprise of many, considering how effective he’s been this year.

Anthony Davis is expected to miss at least one month after suffering a right foot injury, per @ShamsCharania

Here's the play where he suffered the injury:pic.twitter.com/HOYut8TLKy

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 18, 2022

The eight-time NBA All-Star is averaging a double-double this season, resurrecting Los Angeles’ playoff hopes after a poor start. The numbers speak for themselves: 27.4 PPG and 12.1 RPG. Through November and leading into December, there was a stretch where Davis’ was putting up at least 20 points a game. To say that the ex-Wildcat was on a heater would be an understatement.

Just over two weeks ago, AD thrashed Milwaukee with 44 points and then dismantled Washington with a 55-point outing. Both of the performances came away from home as well. Before Friday night, Davis had erupted with three straight 30+ point showings. So, what exactly happens next?

History repeats itself for Anthony Davis

To say injuries would be a new phenomenon concerning Davis would be untrue. After winning the 2020 NBA Finals where Davis averaged a double-double, injuries would plague him the following two seasons.

In the 2020-2021 season, AD only played 36 games while dealing with an Achilles and calf injury. He was in and out of the playoff series against Phoenix with a groin injury, and the Lakers ultimately lost in the first round to the Suns. The following season, Davis still remained sidelined as he battled a plethora of injuries.

AD played in less than half of Los Angeles’ games in 2021-22 where the squad finished 16 games under .500 and didn’t sniff postseason play. Davis missed action due to his MCL, wrist, and knee. He also was inactive for 17 straight games during last season’s campaign.

Even though we haven’t reached Christmas yet, the BBNBA star, ex-number one pick, and 2012 national champion was having a start to remember.

Wrong timing

The Lakers have clawed their way back to relevance in the NBA standings. They sit at 13-16 following Sunday’s games and 12th in the Western Conference. Not having Davis for a month will sting greatly, considering he was leading the team in points and rebounds.

A heavy workload approaches — LeBron James will attempt to keep the interesting ship that is the LA Lakers afloat during Davis’ absence. James spoke about how much Davis means to the squad and how he’ll try to help AD while he’s out.

LeBron James on Anthony Davis’ spirits after his injury pic.twitter.com/Ht2MEgCaQm

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 19, 2022

All the best for AD, but the Lakers approach a pivotal stretch as the holidays near. The Purple and Gold need their big man, they need their “Brow”, and they need their two-way scoring and defending monster. They’ll always need Anthony Davis.