It appears all systems are go for Anthony Davis.
The Lakers center, who exited in the fourth quarter of Game 5 against the Warriors with a head injury, is not in concussion protocol and is probable for Game 6 of the second-round NBA playoff series Friday against the Warriors, head coach Darvin Ham told reporters Thursday.
The Lakers lead the series 3-2.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst warned Thursday morning that it wasn’t a fait accompli that Davis would be cleared for Game 6.
“There are a series of tests they put him through that they compare him to tests that he had when he’s not concussed to see how he’s reacting,” Windhorst said on “Get Up.”
“If he goes into protocol today… Game 6, almost 100 percent he will not be able to play no matter what. Not up to him, not up to anything.
“And even Game 7, because of the return to play protocols, I would say in my experience, very unlikely if he enters the concussion protocol.”
Shortly after, Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that Davis was expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday.
Lakers big man Anthony Davis doubled over after being inadvertently elbowed by Warriors center Kevon Looney in the Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals playoff series at Chase Center on May 10, 2023. TwitterThe Lakers players were off on Thursday and did not meet for film.
Davis sustained the head injury midway through the fourth quarter of Golden State’s 121-106 win over the Lakers in Game 5.
With 7:43 remaining and the Lakers trailing by 13 points, Davis was inadvertently elbowed near his temple by Kevon Looney as the two bigs battled for a rebound of a D’Angelo Russell layup.
The 30-year-old stood on the court, bent over with his head in his hands while play resumed on the other end of the court.
After Davis was evaluated on the bench, he reportedly required a wheelchair to get to a different room in the back of the arena for further medical evaluation.
According to Haynes, the eight-time All-Star was stumbling and had a towel over his head while in the wheelchair.
Davis did not re-enter the game, and was replaced by Rui Hachimura.
Lakers big man Anthony Davis on the bench after being inadvertently elbowed by Warriors center Kevon Looney in the Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals playoff series at Chase Center on May 10, 2023. Twitter
Lakers big man Anthony Davis on the bench after being inadvertently elbowed by Warriors center Kevon Looney in the Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals playoff series at Chase Center on May 10, 2023. TwitterThe Lakers big man finished with 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting, with nine rebounds and three assists.
“He seems to be doing really good already,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters after checking on Davis after the game.
Lakers big man Anthony Davis drives past Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Getty ImagesDavis was seen exiting the arena walking under his own power.
The Lakers have a chance to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals at home in Game 6 on Friday.
