Lakers Lose Anthony Davis to Injury, Fall to Short-Handed Philadelphia 76ers

Lakers Lose Anthony Davis to Injury, Fall to Short-Handed Philadelphia 76ers

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major setback on Tuesday night as they lost star player Anthony Davis to an abdominal strain during their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Davis exited the game with 2:10 remaining in the first quarter, while the Lakers were ahead 20-17. Without Davis, the Lakers struggled to maintain control, and the 76ers, despite missing key players Joel Embiid and Paul George, dominated the rest of the game, ultimately winning 118-104.

The loss ended the Lakers' four-game winning streak, which included victories over the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. With Davis’ status now uncertain, the Lakers face the challenge of completing their five-game road trip without their star big man, with upcoming matchups against the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers before returning home to face the Warriors on February 6.

How Long Will Davis Be Out?

Davis walked off the court clutching his abdomen during a timeout in the first quarter. Initially listed as questionable to return, the Lakers later ruled him out for the remainder of the game. No immediate timeline for his return has been provided, and the cause of the injury remains unclear.

After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters, "There wasn’t an update on Davis’ status." The team is expected to release more information as they evaluate the injury in the coming days.

Lakers Struggle Without Davis

The Lakers’ performance notably faltered following Davis’ exit, particularly on defense. The 76ers outscored the Lakers 48-32 in the second quarter, taking a 73-57 lead into halftime. By the end of the third quarter, Philadelphia had extended their lead to 99-76.

Though the Lakers trimmed the deficit in the fourth quarter, with both teams emptying their benches, the game was never truly in question after Davis’ departure. The star big man, who had been on a hot streak, was limited to just four points, two rebounds, and one steal in 10 minutes of play. Before the injury, Davis had been averaging 32.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game during the Lakers’ four-game winning run.

LeBron James Steps Up, But It’s Not Enough

With Davis sidelined, LeBron James took on a larger role, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Rookie Dalton Knecht also contributed 24 points, including five three-pointers. However, the efforts of James and Knecht fell short against the undermanned 76ers, who capitalized on the Lakers' defensive lapses.

The loss dropped the Lakers to 26-19, keeping them in fifth place in the Western Conference. As the playoff race intensifies, Davis’ injury could have major ramifications for the Lakers’ postseason prospects.

Tyrese Maxey Shines for the 76ers

Despite missing Embiid and George, the 76ers were led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored a game-high 43 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Ricky Council contributed 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

The 76ers’ defense was also critical, forcing 22 Lakers turnovers and outshooting Los Angeles 91-72 in field goal attempts. The win brought Philadelphia’s record to 18-27, keeping them in contention for the play-in tournament at 11th place in the Eastern Conference.

Embiid and George Remain Out

The 76ers have been without Joel Embiid for 12 consecutive games due to foot and knee injuries. Embiid has missed 32 games this season, and his return remains uncertain. Paul George also missed the game after sustaining a tendon injury in his left pinkie finger on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls.

76ers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that George is considered day-to-day, with no definitive timeline for his return. Despite these key absences, Philadelphia showed resilience and teamwork in their victory over the Lakers.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers now face a crucial stretch of games without Davis, whose absence could have a significant impact on their performance. The team will need to rely heavily on LeBron James and other role players to stay competitive in the tightly contested Western Conference. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring updates on Davis’ injury, as his health will likely play a major role in the Lakers’ playoff hopes.

For now, the Lakers must regroup and focus on their upcoming matchups, hoping to stay afloat in the playoff race until Davis is able to return to the court.

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