Lakers Injury Report: JJ Redick Provides 3-Word Update on Anthony Davis’ Status After Win vs Grizzlies

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Amidst a difficult run for JJ Redick and the Lakers, there was finally some relief. The Purple & Gold managed to upend a strong Memphis Grizzlies side with LeBron James making his return. However, the biggest positive from the game was the inevitable mindset switch. Anthony Davis went back to being the “hub” as Redick professed. But his dominant night nearly led to a huge scare for the Laker Nation.

With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, while going for a loose ball, Davis came out grimacing. ‘The Brow’ went down, holding his shoulder, and even exited the game. At the time, the Lakers led by 20 points. Until the time AD came back, the Grizzlies launched a 16-5 run. Luckily, the nine-time All-Star returned strong.

Davis helped see the game out with his monstrous 40 points and 16 rebounds. Yet, with his shoulder being a recurring concern, the media was curious. When posed to JJ Redick, the rookie head coach eradicated all the worries of it being a long-term injury. According to Dave McMenamin, he said Anthony Davis’ injury was “just a stinger.“

Anthony Davis checked back in with 9:19 to go in the 4th Q.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten)

December 16, 2024

Luckily, it seems the shoulder won’t be a long-term hurdle for the Los Angeles Lakers and Davis. Prior to the season, the two-way tyrant forwarded his goals of playing all games of the season. The Brow has only missed one game thus far. And it doesn’t seem like this shoulder injury will prevent him from taking any time off.

The goal for the Lakers tonight was to play with physicality and toughness. Memphis had been on a four-game winning streak, including a road win over the Boston Celtics. By no measure was it going to be easy! However, Anthony Davis was prepared to restore order to the offense once again.

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Within the first 12 minutes, he accumulated 12 points and 7 rebounds, setting the tone for what he expects from the Lakers. The lead even grew to 23. However, with Davis down, Memphis came close to catching up. They forced turnovers, 21 to be exact, and Zach Edey’s eight offensive rebounds gave them the advantage on second-chance plays.

But with the game coming close, the Lakers’ celebrated tandem saw the game through. LeBron James and Davis combined for 19 of the 30 points in the fourth quarter. Even in the Grizzlies’ highest-scoring quarter of the game, it ensured they only outscored the Lakers by three points in that duration.

However, despite the win, there are some concerns Los Angeles needs to wipe out soon. This was the second straight game the Lakers recorded 20+ turnovers. Furthermore, their offensive rebounding also needs to find another dimension, it being the Achilles heel for the Purple and Gold thus far this year.

How would you rate this win for the Lakers? Let us know your views in the comments below.