Frank Vogel names possible return dates for Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond
Frank Vogel provided updates on both Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond as they work back from injuries.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to avoid a major slide in the Western Conference standings while cornerstone pieces remain out with injuries. Anthony Davis has not played since February 14, while LeBron James has been out since March 20.
The bad luck continued when new arrival Andre Drummond showed up and immediately suffered a toe injury. His whole purpose was to come in and provide help in the post while Davis recovered.
Fans may be panicking and Frank Vogel provided both a good and bad update on his injured big men. Let’s start with the bad.
Frank Vogel says Anthony Davis (calf strain) is still “a ways away” from returning. Tuesday will mark seven weeks since Davis’ last appearance for the Lakers.
— Christian Rivas (@RadRivas) April 4, 2021
Lakers still waiting on Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond
Davis remains out and there is still no telling when he can return. Calf strains are tricky injuries and it will come down to when he personally feels able to play at a high level. The last thing the team wants is for Davis to return early, only to suffer an even worse injury because he wasn’t ready.
The update on Drummond is a bit more positive.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel says Andre Drummond is out tonight vs. Raptors. Said Dre “still had some tenderness in the toe. We’re hopeful he’ll play against Miami.”
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) April 6, 2021
Vogel said Drummond participated in some drills in practice Monday.
Wes Matthews (neck) is available tonight.
The Lakers take on the Miami Heat Thursday. That means at least Drummond could return by then as the team tries to climb back up the standings. The club enters play Wednesday as the No. 5 seed in the West and only three games ahead of the No. 7 seed. That No. 7 slot has to take part in the play-in tournament this season.
Getting Drummond back will provide some much-needed help so Marc Gasol doesn’t have to be the do-it-all center, which is a role more suited for his past self. However, fans know this team will only go as far as Davis and James take them.