Anthony Davis' Injury Could Force Star To Miss Multiple Games, Lakers Get Good News

In a season that’s been filled with several minor injuries, Anthony Davis is dealing with yet another ailment. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star left Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks with a bruised lower back that could force him to sit a few games.

Davis fell hard on his tailbone while trying to block a shot by Julius Randle. He was on the ground for a few minutes before being helped up and gingerly walking off the court.

Agent Rich Paul told reporters during the game that X-rays on Davis’ back were negative. Davis was eventually carted out of the arena to get more tests. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, an MRI came back clean and Davis plans to travel with the team on an upcoming two-game road trip.

It is possible that Davis will play in those games, though it was initially reported that he would be sidelined for the rest of the week.

A league source told ESPN Tuesday night that Davis was expected to miss both Friday night’s game in Dallas and a Saturday night matchup in Oklahoma City. Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes said Davis acknowledged that he would miss some time.

Los Angeles returns home Monday night for a contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers beat the Knicks 117-87 to improve their record to 30-7. Los Angeles has a 4.5-game lead atop the Western Conference. The Milwaukee Bucks are the only NBA team that has a better record than the Lakers.

Davis has played in 35 of the team’s 37 games. He has already dealt with a shoulder injury and an ankle injury this season. Since being drafted in 2012, Davis has played more than 68 games twice.

LeBron James leads the Lakers and the entire league with 10.8 assists per game. Davis leads the team in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.