“I don’t like what I’ve seen from AD, that back doesn’t look healthy" - NBA executive says Anthony Davis is playing through injuries
LA Lakers star forward Anthony Davis has dealt with lingering back issues for quite some time now. Over the course of the past several seasons, Davis has missed considerable time with injuries. While time off has helped heal Davis' lower body injuries, the back pain has continued to plague the former champion.
The situation has continued to receive attention since the start of the season. As fans and analysts have both pointed out, Anthony Davis frequently grimaces when landing awkwardly. Following the Lakers' first win of the season this past weekend, Davis admitted that back pain has continued to affect him.
Despite the fact that Davis has only missed one game this season, his track record with injuries has left many apprehensive. With 76 games left on the team's schedule, many are concerned that Davis will miss a considerable amount of time.
The way one unnamed NBA executive sees things, the ongoing discomfort is a cause for concern in LA:
“I don’t like what I’ve seen from A.D. That back doesn’t look healthy.”
The comments from the unnamed exec came during a recent interview with Bleacher Report, where potential trade scenarios were also discussed. Below you can see a video for reference, where Davis appears to be struggling with discomfort in his lower back.
Where do Anthony Davis and the LA Lakers go from here?
The LA Lakers find themselves at an interesting crossroads. The team picked up their first win of the season this weekend, with Russell Westbrook putting on a show while coming off the bench. Anthony Davis has continued to prove that despite any lingering back problems, he can play at an All-Star level.
Coach Darvin Ham has been unwavering in his belief in the team. Throughout their winless streak, Ham remained adamant that the team simply needed time to build chemistry. With an above-average defense, it is no secret that the Lakers' offense needs to improve.
Since Russell Westbrook transitioned to a sixth man role, new life has been breathed into the team's offense.
Despite that, many believe that the team must make a trade in order to cross the threshold and insert themselves into the playoff picture. A trade with the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield has emerged as the most likely trade scenario.
With added size inside the paint and a proven 3-point shooter, Turner and Hield may be exactly what the team needs.
At the same time, the spark provided by Westbrook coming off the bench has many confident the team is evolving. Throughout Westbrook's two games coming off the bench, he has shown flashes of brilliance reminiscent of his prime. With all eyes on LA, only time will tell whether Ham and the team will be able to keep the momentum going.
Of course, Anthony Davis' lingering back soreness could have a major impact on the team's decisions going forward. If Davis finds himself missing a significant amount of time once again, the team could look to bolster their front court sooner rather than later.
The team will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown Wednesday night. With confidence at an all-time high in LA, only time will tell what the future holds for Darvin Ham and his team.
Check out some highlights from their recent win below: