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Two weeks ago, the Lakers said that Anthony Davis would be re-evaluated in two weeks as he continues to work his way back from Achilles and calf injuries, but on Friday, head coach Frank Vogel said he had no new information to provide.
“I do not have any new update. He’s still a ways away,” Vogel said. “There’s a lot of reports out there (on Davis’ health) that aren’t coming from us... The truth is he gets evaluated every day. He does work, they treat him, they evaluate him. We’re in the middle of a ramp-up, but he’s still a ways away. Nothing concrete from a date standpoint right now.”
Update: The Lakers released a statement shortly after Vogel spoke, essentially repeating that there is no timeline for Davis right now but that he is improving.
Injury update on Anthony Davis, who, according to the team, “Was re-examined by team medical staff earlier this evening. He continues to progress in his recovery and has been cleared to advance his on court work. Additional updates will be given when appropriate.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 27, 2021
Lakers said tonight Anthony Davis can progress to “increased volume and intensity in shooting, dribbling and position specific drills” in his rehab
— Bill Oram (@billoram) March 27, 2021
Vogel had sort of already hinted that an update like this would be coming when he was asked for the latest on Davis’ health on Thursday, using the exact same “still a ways away” description. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the same day that Davis was still estimated to be about two weeks from a return to the floor.
Davis will have missed the last 18 games after tonight’s battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 20 games total with this injury (he came back for one and a half games in the middle). For context, that is nearly as many games as he’s played (23). The Lakers only have 29 games left to play this season. They obviously have to be patient and careful with Davis, but they’re also getting closer to running out of runway to give him enough time to ramp back up and play his way into game shape by the playoffs.
With Davis continuing to miss time, look for Markieff Morris to keep starting in his place for the undersized Lakers, and Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol to continue to take on a larger role as hubs of the offense for the team at the forward/center spots. Also, if LeBron James doesn’t come back first, expect the Lakers to keep looking pretty bad for the next stretch without either of their stars to lead the way.
Get well soon, guys.
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