An eye injury could keep Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis out for the opener against the LA Clippers.
Davis had his right eye inadvertently poked by Michael Carter-Williams of the Orlando Magic during a scrimmage on Saturday.
The first-year Laker did not practice on Tuesday, instead being sidelined during the team’s practice session with shaded eyewear on his face.
Lakers’ head coach Frank Vogel gave an update on Davis’s eye via video conference call.
“He’s day-to-day, and while he’s still dealing with discomfort there is some concern that he could potentially not play Thursday. But we’re hopeful that he does, and we’ll see how that plays out. He’s going to be evaluated each day.”
During that call, Vogel described Davis as feeling “discomfort” multiple times.
When asked to elaborate, Vogel said, “I don’t know if I’m allowed to really get into the details of it, other than that’s they told me to report. So that’s all I can give you.”
Davis scored nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds before exiting Saturday’s scrimmage with the eye injury sustained when Carter-Willimas caught Davis’ face while swiping for the ball.
The Lakers will be required to update Davis’ status on Wednesday, per league rules.
In a recent memo sent out by the league, teams were told to report participation status for every player — detailing an injury, illness, or a rest day– and submit that report by 5 p.m. ET the day before a game, according to Marc Spears of The Undefeated.
Therefore, Vogel’s assessment of Davis being day-to-day is not a valid status.
Instead, teams must choose to designate their players as available, probable, questionable, doubtful, or out.
In his first season with the Lakers, eighth overall season, Anthony Davis posted averages of 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks before the hiatus in March.