Game 5 was a tough one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only did they lose the game, failing to eliminate the Golden State Warriors in their Western Conference semifinal matchup, but their ability to win the NBA playoff series has also been significantly impacted.
Anthony Davis, who has been playing at an elite level throughout the postseason, was forced to exit the game midway through the fourth quarter. As D’Angelo Russell drove to the basket for a layup, Kevon Looney inadvertently hit Davis in the side of the head.
Davis went down to the floor in pain immediately and was evaluated on the bench before being taken into the back. On the bench, Davis looked a bit disoriented, with a glossed-over look on his face. He reportedly was feeling woozy and was put in a wheelchair to get to the training room according to ESPN.
“Obviously everyone saw he took a shot to the head, but we just checked on him,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game. “He seems to be doing really good already. That’s just where he’s at. That’s the status of it right now.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
According to ESPN, there has been no mention of a concussion being what Davis is dealing with. That is a best-case scenario for the Lakers because if he is placed in concussion protocol his availability will be in question going forward.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up this morning, Brian Windhorst of ESPN shared some details about what would ensue should Davis end up in concussion protocol. Because of a predetermined list of things that need to occur before a player can get back on the court, it is with near certainty he would miss Game 6 on Friday night.
“There’s a pre-determined list of return-to-play guidelines that take time. If he goes into protocol today…Game 6 almost 100% he will not be able to play no matter what.”
That would be a crushing blow to the Lakers if they had to try and close the Warriors out in Game 6 at Crypto.com Arena without Davis in the lineup. He has been their best player this postseason, putting together dominating performances on both ends of the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
Ham would have his work cut out for him as well figuring out a lineup without Davis. The Lakers have been abysmal this postseason whenever Davis has been on the bench and on most nights haven’t been using a backup big man.
If he were to miss Game 6, Jarred Vanderbilt could see his role grow. Wenyen Gabriel would also be an option to be inserted into the rotation, but Los Angeles could opt to match the Warriors and go small. That would likely be a death sentence for them as the outcome for teams looking to match any version of Steve Kerr’s death lineup usually has terrible results.
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