As the Los Angeles Lakers continue the early stages of the 2024-25 season, a familiar issue has resurfaced: Anthony Davis injury concerns. Davis, who has been playing at an MVP-caliber level, now faces a significant challenge in the form of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, a condition that could linger throughout the season. Anthony Davis’ stats have kept the Lakers relevant in the Western Conference early this season, but his injury concerns put the Lakers entire season at risk of going downhill quickly.
Lakers Star Playing Through Injury Puts Depth Chart In Question
Anthony Davis Stats Are Dominant
Through the first eight games of the season, Davis was putting up incredible numbers. Averaging 32.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, Davis is performing at a level above what he has ever played before. Unfortunately, a report by Shams Charania revealed that Davis had been dealing with plantar fasciitis since the end of last season. Though he has played through the injury, it is clear that the nagging foot issue is taking its toll. Davis missed the Lakers’ recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, and while he did bounce back with a big game against the Philadelphia 76ers (31 points, nine rebounds, four blocks), the injury is still bothering him.
Reporting for SportsCenter tonight on Anthony Davis, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his foot. Davis is listed probable for Lakers-76ers game on Friday night. https://t.co/cNGJoELwQM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 8, 2024
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Anthony Davis Injury Still an Issue
After his dominant performance in the Lakers vs 76ers game, Davis said,
“It hurts, definitely bothering me, but I’ll figure it out. Getting it loose enough to go out there and play, and try to manage it throughout the course of the game so it doesn’t tighten up. It felt good for the most part … off days are the most crucial to get it feeling good for game day.”
This isn’t the most promising quote. Davis has dealt with injuries for much of his career, and plantar fasciitis doesn’t go away easily. If Davis continues to miss games sporadically, the Lakers lack of center depth will be on display.
Lakers Need Help Down Low
For over a year, Davis has made it clear that he needs help in the middle. Yet, despite his repeated requests, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has failed to provide the necessary support.
The Lakers’ current center rotation includes Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko. They have shown promise but remain far from a reliable solution. Both players have their potential, but neither has proven to be a consistent, starting-caliber big man. Hayes, in particular, has struggled with physicality against larger centers, while Koloko still has a long way to go before he can provide consistent impact on both ends of the floor. Their lack of size and offensive limitations have left the Lakers vulnerable, especially against bigger teams who can dominate them in the paint.
With Davis now dealing with a persistent injury, the Lakers can no longer afford to wait on development. The Lakers failure to address their center needs has placed even more pressure on their star player, increasing the risk of his injury worsening and putting the Lakers future success in question.
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