Anthony Davis injury update: Concussion protocol avoided

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis. (Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis. (Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports) /
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After leaving Game 5 due to a hit to the head, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis is trending towards playing in Game 6.

The Los Angeles Lakers had the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals, but lost Game 5 on Wednesday night by the score of 121-106 to the Golden State Warriors. Late in the game, there was a concerning situation involving Lakers forward Anthony Davis, who was inadvertently hit in the head by Warriors forward Kevon Looney. Davis left the game in a wheelchair to be further evaluated. Davis was able to leave the arena under his own power.

TNT’s Chris Haynes reported immediately after the game that Davis “appears to have avoided a concussion and is doing much better now.” Haynes followed that up hours later, reporting that Davis is expected to be available to play in Game 6, “barring a setback.”

Lakers: Anthony Davis avoids concussion, probable for Game 6 vs. Warriors

On Thursday, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham confirmed that Davis is not being placed in the concussion protocol and that he will be listed for Game 6 against the Warriors on Friday.

The injury occurred when Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell went for a layup attempt. Looney, who was facing the opposite direction, turned to watch Russell’s attempt. In the process, Looney’s arm hit Davis in the head. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Davis was feeling “woozy” after getting hit.

Prior to the injury, Davis scored 23 points while making 10-of-18 attempts from the field and 3-of-5 field goal attempts. Additionally, Davis put up nine rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes played.

After the scare, Davis is trending in the right direction to help the Lakers clinch another playoff series. Game 6 will take place on Friday, May 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.

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