LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers stepped up once again when big man Anthony Davis was forced to leave the game. Davis sprained his left ankle midway through the first quarter against Golden State on Wednesday and did not return.
“It’s always tough to play without AD, so our roles became even more important,” James said after the Lakers’ 115-113 win. “Everyone had to contribute, especially on defense because AD is our anchor. I thought the team did a great job of playing together, executing offensively, and also getting timely stops against a strong offensive team.”
Davis twisted his ankle while moving through the paint toward the basket and left the game with 4:48 left in the quarter. He went to the locker room and was initially listed as questionable to return.
Coach JJ Redick said, “I don’t have an update on AD.”
Davis, who stands 6-foot-10, was already listed as questionable for the Christmas Day game against Stephen Curry and the Warriors due to a bruised left shoulder.
Davis missed all three of his field-goal attempts, failing to score and recording just two rebounds in seven minutes of play.
Austin Reaves stepped up to fill the gap, registering a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also made the game-winning layup with just one second left.
“It came down to a play we trust,” James said. “The play was drawn up for me, but they doubled me at the top of the key. It’s always great to have strong options on the floor, and AR has been in that situation before.”