Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis left Sunday’s huge Game 4 matchup against the Phoenix Suns with a left groin strain.
After a brutal Game 1 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back to take the next two games thanks to the performance from star forward Anthony Davis. Entering Game 4, Davis had a knee sprain but stressed he was well enough to play. Then, the game started.
In the first half, Davis went down awkwardly during a layup attempt and immediately grabbed his left leg. While he did not leave the game at the time, he was absent for the start of the third quarter. After receiving medical attention in the locker room, the Lakers announced that Davis was out for the remainder of Game 4 with a left groin strain.
With Davis suffering another injury, NBA Twitter shared their thoughts on the news.
Lakers’ Anthony Davis is out for remainder of Game 4 vs. Suns due to left groin strain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 30, 2021
CP3 being healthier than Anthony Davis is quite the plot twist
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) May 30, 2021
Lebron James next year if Anthony Davis can’t stay healthy. pic.twitter.com/nZ6pyPMCIr
— The Dawgzilla (@TheDawgzilla) May 30, 2021
Left groin strains for @AntDavis23. He will not return in Game 4. This is the reason I do NOT have the @Lakers as the favorite: Durability. It’s all about availability, people!!!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 30, 2021
So the Lakers might need Anthony Davis after all. Who knew?
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) May 30, 2021
Me when I heard Anthony Davis is out for the rest of the game: #LakeShow #LALvsPHX pic.twitter.com/bG9NUewiFG
— AGK (@Golden10x) May 30, 2021
I'm confident there has been an Anthony Davis injury scare in every game I've watched of his
— Dom2K 🌊🏖 (@Dom_2k) May 30, 2021
Lakers: Anthony Davis ruled out of Game 4 with left groin strain
This is the worst possible thing to happen. The Lakers need Davis healthy to pair alongside LeBron James to make another deep run in the playoffs. That, and the injury gave the Suns life in Game 4.
The Lakers big man has been far from healthy throughout the season. Back in February, Davis aggravated tendinosis in his right Achilles and suffered a right calf strain, forcing him to miss two months of playing time. Then in Game 3, Davis hyperextended his left knee, which had some wondering if he would even play on Sunday.
Davis played for 19 minutes in the first half, where he recorded six points (two-of-nine from field, two-for-two on free throws), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
It will remain to be seen how long Davis will be out with his latest injury. If he is to miss time, the Lakers’ chances of advancing to the second-round will take a massive hit.