The Los Angeles Lakers face being without star forward Anthony Davis for several weeks ata least after he picked up a "concerning" foot injury.
Davis leads the Lakers in averages of scoring and rebounds this year and his absence is sure to be acutely felt by LeBron James and company as they battle to stay within touching distance of the NBA playoff picture.
Eight-time All-Star Davis, 29, has a poor record with injuries in recent years, missing 42 of the Lakers' 82 games last year, and he will miss another sustained period after hurting his foot in Friday's win against the Denver Nuggets.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst, of ESPN, said on The Hoop Collective podcast he does not expect to see Davis back on the court soon.
“He’s not gonna be out a game or two," he said. "He’s gonna be out an extended period.
"Hopefully, it’s an injury he can get some treatment on and get it healed. It’s not good. It’s not a sprained ankle. It’s not a sprained foot. From what I understand, it’s something more concerning than that.”
Windhorst's account echoes the report of Shams Charania of The Athletic, who suggests Davis is expected to miss at least one month of action as he recovers from his latest injury.
The Lakers have not said anything on the record about Davis and how long he could be out, but his absence is sure to be a big blow for a franchise that is clawing to stay in post-season contention, currently sitting 12th at 13-17 and two games back from the final playoff spot in the West.
Given the makeup of the Lakers' roster, Davis' injury is particularly problematic. Not only is he a key player, but the team is in win-now mode with superstar names like James and Russell Westbrook heading a top-heavy roster that is badly lacking in depth.
If the Lakers can qualify for the playoffs, four-time MVP James will give them a live chance in any series, but it is by no means a given that they will make it into the top 12 in the Western Conference after 82 games and a swift comeback for Davis – averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds per game – will be key.
And with a roster makeup that shows little attention paid to building for the future, if Davis – who has already missed two games with this foot issue – is unable to play a significant part in the remainder of the campaign, it could be not only a lost season but the beginning of a lengthy period out of contention for a franchise that claimed the NBA title just two years ago and has been associated with winning throughout its storied history.
