NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis Medical Update Gives Lakers Glimmer Of Hope

The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling and could use some help. Anthony Davis could be that guy, and the recent medical update on the All-Star center may give the followers of the 17-time NBA champions a bit of relief.

Davis has been given clearance by team doctors to ramp up his on-court activities following an evaluation on Friday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported. The 28-year-old has been out for nearly six weeks due to a calf strain and tendonitis in his right leg.

This latest update means that Davis will now be able to increase the volume and intensity of his shooting, dribbling and position-specific drills, McMenamin noted. However, an official return to NBA action by the eight-time All-Star remains unknown. Regardless, it is welcome news that he is on track to recovery.

Despite their struggles, the Lakers do not have to rush Davis back in action. Looking at the Western Conference standings, Los Angeles is at the fourth spot with a 29-17 win-loss record. They are coming off a 100-86 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder and Talen Horton-Tucker leading the way.

The Lakers are trying to figure out how to win without its top stars. LeBron James is also out indefinitely due to a high ankle sprain. But like Davis, he is expected to be good to go once the NBA playoffs come around.

Right now, all eyes are on the Lakers over whether or not they can successfully sign Andre Drummond. The 6-foot-10 player is one of the most sought-after names in the free-agent market right now after he was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers are strong frontrunners to land the services of the All-Star center, ESPN recently reported. Aside from the purple and gold, other teams said to be preferred by Drummond include the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets.

The New York Knicks were mentioned as a potential destination but reportedly opted to pass and focus on Mitchell Robinson instead. But this claim was made before the 22-year-old suffered an injury (broken foot) in the Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Could New York take a second look?