The Los Angeles Lakers recently played the New Orleans Pelicans in their regular season game. It saw one of the best performances from the LA team’s offensive unit. Despite suffering from back issues for quite some time, Anthony Davis’ recent form stands as a testament to why the player is so important for his team’s success. That resulted in his teammate making a bold claim about his availability for the repeat Pelicans clash.

25-year-old Austin Reaves proceeded to take some questions from a Spectrum Sportsnet reporter. The latter highlighted how Anthony Davis had to leave the game early, with just six minutes on the clock after developing a back spasm. When asked if there is going to be a “level of concern” for the player during the Lakers’ next game, Reaves jokingly replied, “I’m going to go in there and tell him he’s playing regardless”.

Anthony Davis developed a back spasm after attempting to drop a putback layup. As he was in the air, his rival Larry Nance Jr appeared to make an unfortunate contact with him which led to the Injury. While Davis remained on the court after the incident, onlookers caught the player occasionally clutching his lower back. AD also lay on the floor and attempted to stretch in an effort to feel better.

He had to eventually exit the game after spending 33 minutes on the court and accumulating a score of 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists. Thanks to his contribution and the scoring prowess of other leading scorers, the Lakers eventually took home the win by a score of 124-108.

Anthony Davis accused Larry Nance Jr. of making a “dangerous play”

In the aftermath of the Lakers-Pelicans clash, Anthony Davis engaged in a Q&A with several media members. He recalled everything that occurred during the matchup that resulted in his back spasm. AD knew it was an unintentional push that Larry Nance Jr. had made when going up against him but he was not happy about it. “I was in the air. So, obviously, it’s a dangerous play,” AD replied.

“I know he’s not a dirty player. But I’m in the air and then get shoved in the back. Hyperextension. It just locks up.”

Despite his back issues making a return, the 2020 NBA champion was assured that the same wasn’t major enough to keep him off the court during this crucial stage. “No doubt that I’m gonna play. Just see how it feels the rest of the day; I’ll have to get massages, get some treatment”, Davis continued. “See how I feel over the next 24, 36 hours, and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Lakers will be facing off against the Pelicans next in the play-in tournament. If the star-filled roster manages to defeat their rivals there, they will get the opportunity to go up against the 2nd seeding Denver Nuggets. The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been the most instrumental in their team’s success this season.

Their combined average of 50.4 points, 19.9 rebounds, and 11.8 assists may not have allowed the Lakers to reach the playoffs but it has gotten them to this stage. With Anthony Davis’ availability once again under question, it is important to keep this partnership fit and intact during this crucial stage.