The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an incredible 128-124 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in a game that went to 2OT. Anthony Davis played 51 minutes after sustaining a knee injury during the contest. Darvin Ham reacted to Davis’ performance and revealed the center assured him he could push through.
“Just being in tune with him every time out or every stoppage in play… He assured me he was gonna push through. They said he was okay and can tolerate whatever he can tolerate. Kudos to him. He played his ass off.”
Darvin praised the entire roster as well for their crucial contributions in a tiring 2OT game.
“34 and 23, AR with a triple-double, D’Lo 29 and 12, Spencer had a rough shooting night but the one shot he made was a huge 3-point shot. All our guys man. Rui came alive and made some big plays for us with a double-double. Taurean’s defense off the bench, Jaxson’s energy.”
“How ‘bout those Lakers?” 😎
Darvin Ham discusses the all-around team effort tonight against the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/OF5ISuH8An
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 27, 2024
Davis’ knee injury came from knee-to-knee contact with Khris Middleton in the fourth quarter. He somehow managed to stay on the floor till the end of 2OT, likely playing through a bone bruise. This could raise concerns for LA going forward, especially with the team on a back-to-back and needing to play tomorrow as well.
The Lakers had Austin Reaves get a triple-double, while both D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura joined Anthony Davis with double-doubles of their own. The difference is that Davis’ double-double was with 34 points and 23 rebounds. It was a masterful performance, one that the Lakers needed with LeBron James absent.
The Lakers Need To Avoid Injuries
Anthony Davis has completely revamped his reputation over the last 12 months. From struggling to be available for the Lakers for a majority of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, something changed for the center after the 2023 trade deadline. Since March 15, 2023, Davis has only missed four games for the Lakers. The team has played 98 games in this stretch, including the 2023 Playoffs.
The Lakers have done a great job in managing his health but they need to make sure he stays healthy through the final 10 games of the season and the ensuing postseason push. They play tomorrow night against the Grizzlies, so the Lakers may consider resting Davis after his mammoth 51-minute stint tonight.
Ideally, LeBron James should be returning from injury against the Grizzlies, though the Lakers are managing an ankle injury for the star. He elaborated on the same before missing this important Bucks game.
“I have to be very strategic and smart with how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot to get to the finish line. Whatever line that lies ahead.”
The Lakers are 40-32 this season, within striking distance of the No. 8 seed Suns, who are just two games ahead. The Lakers have the season tiebreaker against Phoenix and have a much easier schedule to end the season. There’s a legitimate chance they climb out of the No. 9 seed, but they’ll have to manage the health of their stars over this stretch as well.
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