Los Angeles Lakers MVP hopeful Anthony Davis suffered yet another blow to the face in Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. AD left the game after getting poked in the eye—an all-too-familiar scenario for the 9x All-Star. After seeing an ophthalmologist on Monday for an eye examination, Tuesday brought about some good news concerning Davis’ availability this week.
Lakers MVP Seeker Evades Missing Time From Recent Injury
No Sitting Out for LA Lakers MVP Candidate Anthony Davis
You have to understand why AD is adamantly against wearing goggles. Although they offer protection, they’re not the most flattering accessory an NBA basketball player can wear. Perhaps he’s not concerned with that, though. However, if he has any say in the matter, he will not cave into wearing any protective eyewear. Davis spoke with reporters following the Lakers Tuesday practice. He was asked about wearing goggles; he responded simply, ‘No.‘ He is also unsure if this latest eye injury is another corneal abrasion. Nevertheless, he’s ready to play on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
“A couple of scratches in my eye. As far as the medical term and all that, I’m not 100% sure, but I’m cleared to play.” Regarding goggles, Davis elaborated, “I don’t want to…and the doctor said I didn’t have to. Now if it gets to a point where the doctor orders are to wear them and I need to wear them, then of course I will…”
Well, that pretty much sums it up. Davis will avoid goggles at all costs unless instructed by his doctor. But that’s hardly the important point here. The critical point is that he’s cleared to play, and the Lakers need Davis on the floor as much as humanly possible.
Back On Track with AD Leading the Way
The Lakers had a forgettable 1-4 road trip. They fell to the Suns, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Grizzlies. Since returning home, they have followed up with two consecutive wins against the 76ers and the Raptors. Sitting at 6-4, the Lakers are playing relatively well under JJ Redick, who has implemented a revamped offense but is still in the figuring-it-out stages on defense. The Lakers defense has resembled a Jekyll and Hyde dynamic when it comes to playing on the road as opposed to playing on their home floor. They have struggled to defend the perimeter. It was a major crux for them all last season, and it showed its ugly head on the road trip.
Since returning to LA, Redick made a significant roster adjustment, which has appeared to improve the team’s overall play. Cam Reddish took D’Angelo Russell‘s place in the starting lineup for defensive-related reasons. Any roster changes the Lakers implement are secondary to how Davis plays, though. Their season rests on his availability and LeBron James. AD’s MVP-like numbers can’t hurt, either. If an early-season MVP favorite is allowed just four weeks in, it’s Davis. What he doesn’t need are any more fingers, knuckles, elbows, or any other extension of the arm to his face from here on out.
