Lakers’ Anthony Davis Sidelined with Abdominal Strain, Out at Least One Week

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis will miss at least one week after being diagnosed with an abdominal muscle strain, the team announced Wednesday. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Tuesday’s 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers when Davis strained the muscle while jumping for a rebound.

Davis, who did not return to the game, underwent an MRI on Wednesday and will be reevaluated in approximately one week. The injury sidelines him for the remainder of the Lakers’ road trip, including games against the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks.

“When our best player goes out, it’s always challenging,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after Tuesday’s game. “If he’s out from the beginning, then we have a game plan set. But when AD or any one of our guys go down throughout the course of a game, it’s just tough.”

Davis had been playing through plantar fasciitis in his left foot and discomfort in his right calf muscle. The Lakers hope the time off will allow him to recover from all three injuries. His return timeline will depend on his comfort level with activity, according to team sources.

Before the injury, Davis was in peak form, averaging 32.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks during the Lakers’ four-game winning streak. Against the 76ers, he finished with just four points, two rebounds, and one steal in limited action.

The severity of the abdominal strain remains unclear, but NBA injury analyst Evan Jeffries outlined potential recovery timelines on social media. A Grade I strain typically requires 7-10 days of recovery, while a Grade II strain could sideline Davis for 3-6 weeks. The Lakers’ quick diagnosis of a strain suggests the injury may be more serious than initially thought.

Davis has a history of injuries, particularly to his ankles, shoulders, and hands, but this marks his first significant abdominal issue. In 2018, he played through a bruised rib but did not miss any games.

The injury raises questions about the Lakers’ strategy ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The team, already in need of frontcourt depth, may explore trades depending on Davis’ recovery timeline. If Davis is sidelined beyond the deadline, the Lakers could pursue a center to bolster their roster. Potential targets include Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee.

The Lakers, currently 3.5 games ahead of the 11th-seeded Golden State Warriors, face a critical stretch in their season. Davis’ absence could significantly impact their playoff hopes, especially with a key matchup against the Warriors looming on Feb. 6.