The Los Angeles Lakers playoff hopes couple receive a big boost this week with star big man Anthony Davis reportedly targeting a return to the court this week.
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During the TNT broadcast of the Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Haynes said that "if there are no setbacks" Davis could be back for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans or Sunday's contest against the Denver Nuggets.
My @NBAonTNT Report: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis targeting a return Friday, star LeBron James anticipated to miss Thursday in SLC and Kendrick Nunn expected to be shelved for remainder of season. pic.twitter.com/UuZSXPlWT9
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 30, 2022
The eight-time All-Star hasn’t played since Feb. 16 after suffering a right mid-foot sprain. He also missed more than a month of action earlier in the season with an MCL injury.
Davis was a full participant in practice Monday with head coach Frank Vogel discussing the next steps in his potential return.
"Positive sign, he went through full practice. Did all of our drill work and did some live scrimmaging," he said. "We're at a point now where it's really about how he responds to that and the level of soreness he has coming out of his first live work."
Injuries have derailed the Lakers this season, with Davis appearing in just 37 games, while LeBron James has played 55 games. As a duo they have shared the court just 21 times this season. In Davis' absence, the Lakers have a 4-12 record.
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LeBron is currently dealing with swelling in his left ankle and missed Monday's game against the Mavericks. He injured his ankle in the first half of their loss against the Pelicans, playing through the pain and dropping 39 points.
"It's horrible right now," James said postgame. "See what happens day-to-day. But it's pretty sore right now."
The Lakers are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings, holding a slender lead on the San Antonio Spurs for the final Play-In seed.
