Lakers vs. Suns: Injury Updates For Chris Paul, Anthony Davis Heading Into Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2021 NBA playoffs with health concerns, but it’s been the Phoenix Suns that have been most affected by injuries in their first-round series. L.A. took a 2-1 series lead over Phoenix Thursday night, and it’ll be difficult for the Suns to challenge the Lakers as long as Chris Paul is less than 100%.

Paul suffered what has been called a shoulder contusion in Game 1. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90, but the point guard hasn’t been himself since getting hurt.

“It is what it is: You control what you can control,” Paul said after the Suns’ 109-95 Game 3 loss. “I know I do everything on a daily basis to prepare myself to be ready to play. When things happen, they happen. You gotta overcome it and get through it.”

Suns head coach Monty Williams took Paul out of Game 3 for good with 9:34 left in the fourth quarter. The 36-year-old finished with seven points, six assists and five rebounds in 27 minutes. Paul is averaging just 6.7 points on 38.3% shooting in the series. Backup point guard Cameron Payne has been more effective, averaging 13.0 points in 24.0 minutes per contest.

Paul was an MVP candidate in the regular season, leading Phoenix to the West’s No. 2 seed.

LeBron James was a top MVP candidate before a high ankle sprain forced him to miss a month and a half. Despite questions about James’ health coming into the postseason, the NBA’s top star has looked just fine.

Anthony Davis missed half the season with various injuries. The Lakers’ big man hyperextended his left knee in Game 3, but that didn’t stop him from dominating the Suns with 34 points and 11 rebounds in 40 minutes.

With two days off until Game 4, it sounds like Davis will be good to go for the next contest.

Anthony Davis said that he hyperextended his left knee but was able to finish by keeping it warm and riding the adrenaline. He says he will get it checked out tomorrow and is glad that there are two days off heading into Sunday’s Game 4.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 28, 2021

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will undergo a MRI on Friday to have his left quad examined, sources told ESPN. Game 4 of Suns-Lakers is Sunday at Staples Center.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 28, 2021

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will reportedly get an MRI after leaving Game 3 early with a quad contusion. One of the most important players for the Lakers during last year’s championship run, Caldwell-Pope has scored 12 points in 92 minutes this series.

After a poor Game 1, James and Davis have been too much for the Suns. Los Angeles remains a heavy favorite to eliminate Phoenix and reach the second round.

The Lakers have the best odds to repeat as Western Conference champions. The Suns are in the postseason for the first time in a decade.