Anthony Davis Leaves Playoff Game In Weehlchair

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Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors - Game Five
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis took a hit to the head but the Lakers are confident he'll be back for their next game.

With seven minutes and 55 seconds left in Game 5 of the playoff series between the Lakers and Warriors, the Lakers were trailing by 13. It hadn't been the night the Lakers, who were leading the series 3-1, had been hoping for. But there was still every chance for a series-ending comeback. Good load management meant that most of the Lakers' starters were still on the court well into the fourth quarter.

D'Angelo Russell entered the game for the Lakers and less than 10 seconds later, was driving toward the Warriors' basket. Anthony Davis and Kevin Looney both squared up for a potential rebound and as they did, Looney caught Davis in the temple with his elbow. Davis went down hard and nine seconds later, was subbed out for Rui Hachimura. After being evaluated on the Lakers' bench, Davis was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. He did not return to the game. The Lakers would go on to lose 121-106.

Davis Reportedly Doing Okay But Game 6 Status Unclear

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

However, Lakers fans should not lose hope after a scary hit to the head for Davis. "Obviously everyone saw he took a shot to the head, but we just checked on him," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game. "He seems to be doing really good already. That's just where he's at. That's the status of it right now." Furthermore, neither Ham nor the medical staff mentioned Davis having a concussion. Despite this, Davis remains a game-time decision for Friday's Game 6. However, the NBA's concussion protocol means that Davis cannot be fully clear for the game until Thursday evening at the earliest.

Davis' fellow Lakers remain optimistic about the forward's chances of playing. "I believe he'll play," Austin Reaves told reporters. "The medical team said he's doing better. That's what matters most," LeBron James added. Additionally, Davis was seen walking to the team bus unassisted as the Lakers departed for LA later on Wednesday evening. Despite the Game 5 loss, the Lakers still lead the series 3-2. They will have the chance to close out the series at home on Friday night. The Lakers are 6-0 at Crypto.com Arena this year during postseason play.

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About The Author
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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