The defending NBA champions have lost five of their last six games, and this is very unlike them. The absence of Anthony Davis is biting the Lakers, and it is crystal clear that the star duo will be the immovable piece for the side if they are to win.

In the last season, the Lakers were one of the very few fortunate teams in the NBA with no huge injuries. That injury management later helped them in the bubble when they had full strength against struggling units.

They saw how Damian Lillard (Blazers) fell out and later Bam Adebayo (Heat) in the NBA Finals. So, they understand the importance of rehab for AD right now.

When will Anthony Davis be back?

In a recent interview, AD clarified his injury status and also revealed what is keeping him from coming back. He wisely expressed, “it’s hard to sit out and watch the team struggle and you want to get back on the floor and play, that’s why you have the medical staff and your team around you: To protect you from yourself. You always want to make sure that you’re going out there fully healthy. This isn’t the first time that I’ve aggravated this. This is the second time I’ve aggravated this, and it’s an Achilles, so you want to be smart with it, so even though I feel ready to get back on the floor, you’ve got those guys around you to say ‘not yet. Let’s do a little bit more rehab and make sure it’s 100% healed.”

The 27-YO is two weeks away from celebrating his 28th birthday. He will miss nine consecutive games for the Lakers before probably making a comeback against the Pacers after the NBA All-star break.

But AD is not new to injuries and has missed 117 regular-season games of his career (until last year) because of dozens of injuries. He, in fact, had to pull out from NBA All-star 2015, his first, because of an injury. 

Does the Lakers star eye a coaching job in the future? 

Even under the presence of an experienced coach in Frank Vogel, Anthony Davis has been attempting to help the team from off the court. On various occasions, he was seen talking to LeBron James and chalking out some quick strategy to turn the game.

So, would he like the idea of coaching in the future?

The 6’10” power forward put a full stop to that idea and willfully added, “No. That does not make me want to get into coaching. Nah, that’s just my competitive spirit. I’m just so into the game and helping the guys win that when I see things, I just need to help them. That’s just who I am, but it is not going to lead to a coaching career after I get done playing.”

Unlike his former teammate Rajon Rondo, coaching as a job role does not amuse AD, and it’s clear from the statement. 

We just wish him a speedy recovery and would love to hear your wishes for him in the comments section.

Read Also – Three Players Who Can Replace Lakers’ Anthony Davis If He Misses NBA All-Star Weekend