The Lakers' postseason chances depend on the health of Anthony Davis. The All-Star forward may have run into an issue at the worst possible time.
Late in Los Angeles' season finale against New Orleans, Davis was forced to exit with an apparent back injury. As he attempted to set a screen, Davis reached for his lower back and went straight to the locker room, where he stayed for the game's final minutes.
Davis appeared in a career-best 76 games this season but his status for the Lakers' impending Play-In Tournament meeting with the Pelicans is unknown.
Here is what you need to know about Davis' injury.
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What is Anthony Davis' injury?
Davis is believed to be experiencing hip and back spasms, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
McMenamin added that Davis' injury came after an awkward landing from a push by Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. On another offensive possession, Davis attempted to set a screen for Gabe Vincent but was limited in his movement and signaled for a substitution.
Here is the sequence of events:
Anthony Davis went back to the locker room after an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/qKT6K4wl1Y
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 14, 2024
At the next dead ball, Davis gingerly made his way to the scorer's table, where he stretched before exiting the playing floor.
How long will Anthony Davis be out?
Davis' availability for the Play-In Tournament will depend on the diagnosis of his injury. Davis also dealt with hip issues in November.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham called Davis' spasm "nothing major," adding that he is "extremely optimistic" about Davis' status for the Play-In Tournament. Davis said he'd be playing Tuesday, according to Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell.
The Lakers benefit in not having to travel before the tournament begins. Los Angeles will face New Orleans in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, April 16.
Lakers Play-In Tournament schedule
Los Angeles will have one day off before it faces New Orleans in the 7-vs-8 Play-In Tournament game. The winner will earn the West's No. 7 seed and move on to face the defending champion Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel | Live stream |
| April 16 | at Pelicans | 7:30 p.m. | TNT | Sling |
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