Long-Awaited Update From Lakers On Anthony Davis’ Status For Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers need Anthony Davis back in the lineup if they are to harbor any plans of advancing out of the play-in tournament—should they make it. A new report from ESPN indicates that things are trending in the right direction. According to the update, if all continues to go well with his rehab, Davis "could be suiting up for games by the first week of April." 

Frank Vogel on potentially playing in two play-in games: "We're hopeful those two games will be played with Anthony Davis."

— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 24, 2022

AD went down with an ugly-looking right mid-foot sprain on February 16th. 

How badly do the Lakers need Davis come playoff time? As ESPN notes, with both LeBron James and Davis in the lineup in the past two postseasons, the Lakers are 18-7. 

After AD went down in February, the Lakers went 2-9 in the first 11 games, though have since adjusted a bit more to his absence. 

The previous time Davis was out for a significant period, due to an MCL sprain in December/January, he came back and immediately played at his All-Star form. A repeat of same will be needed this time around, without much ramp up before the play-in. 

The Lakers are currently tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 9th and 10th spots in the West, the final two play-in positions. The San Antonio Spurs lurk just two games behind. 

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports