Lakers' Anthony Davis (foot), Rui Hachimura (sickness) sidelined against Grizzlies
Anthony Davis, the star center for Los Angeles, was unable to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday due to a bruised left heel.
Davis, who currently leads the league in scoring with an average of 32.6 points per game, aggravated the injury during a loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday. After a pregame workout on Wednesday, he made the decision that he was not fit to play.
According to ESPN, Los Angeles coach JJ Redick stated that Davis, who is 31 years old, has not had any imaging done on his foot since Monday's game. Redick also mentioned that the injury has been bothering Davis on and off since the summer and throughout the current season. The team will certainly miss his presence on the court.
In addition to Davis, the Lakers were also without forward Rui Hachimura, who was dealing with an illness.
Redick emphasized the importance of taking a long-term approach to the health of all players during the 82-game season. He spoke with Davis before addressing the media and reported that Davis was feeling positive about his injury. However, the team is being cautious and hoping that the extra rest will benefit him. Redick also mentioned that Davis may be available for the Lakers' next game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Davis has been having a career-best season, averaging 32.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, three assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 36.3 minutes per game. He has been a nine-time All-Star and has impressive career averages of 24.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 743 games for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Lakers.
Hachimura, who is 26 years old, has started in all seven games this season for the Lakers and is averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 34.1 minutes per game. He has played in 285 games for the Washington Wizards and the Lakers, with career averages of 12.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Wizards.
