Laker fans hoping for a bit of reassurance on their team’s title chances instead saw Anthony Davis injured and LA fall to the Suns 100-92.
With Phoenix’s Game 4 win, the teams are all tied up at 2-2 in their first-round series.
Davis strained his left groin, going up for a shot in the second quarter.
He remained on the floor but didn’t return after halftime and shortly after was ruled out.
The Lakers’ big man was questionable for the game due to a sprained knee on the same leg, but he had six points, one block, one steal, three assists, and four rebounds before the injury.
It’s another tuff break for Anthony and the Lakers after Davis seemed to finally get his footing in the series, dominating in Games 2 and 3.
Davis, who is key to his team’s chances at a title repeat, has been plagued by injuries this season.
Achilles tendonitis and a calf strain kept Davis out for several weeks this past spring and had many concerned if the Lakers had enough time to find their groove as a team before the playoffs started.
Against Phoenix, LeBron James picked up the slack scoring 25 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out six assists.
The little-used Marc Gasol came off the bench to contribute 12 points, including going three for five behind the arc.
Kyle Kuzma added 11 points, and Alex Caruso put in ten, but it was no match for the Suns’ effort.
Chris Paul led Phoenix with 18 points, and Devin Booker and Jae Crowder added 17 apiece.
Still, Dandre Ayton dominated in the low post player throwing in 14 points and grabbing a game-high 17 rebounds.
The teams head back to Phoenix for Game 5 Tuesday, and while the Lakers surely will be praying they have Davis back in the lineup, they’re going to need a lot more effort if they want to get out of the first round.