SIGNIFICANT UPDATE: Will Anthony Davis Play In Warriors-Lakers Game 6?

ESPN's Dave McMenamin and Bleacher Report and the NBA on TNT's Chris Haynes have both provided updates on Anthony Davis for Game 6.

UPDATE: Anthony Davis is officially listed as probable on the injury report. 

UPDATE: On Thursday afternoon, head coach Darvin Ham announced that Anthony Davis will be listed as probable for Game 6.       

Via ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "Darvin Ham says Anthony Davis is not in the concussion protocol and listed as probable to play in Game 6 tomorrow." 

Darvin Ham says Anthony Davis is not in the concussion protocol and listed as probable to play in Game 6 tomorrow.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 11, 2023

On Wednesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers had a chance to close out the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series.   

The Warriors defended their home floor (winning 121-106) and have now forced a Game 6 back in Los Angeles (on Friday night). 

Currently, the series is 3-2 in favor of the Lakers, and a potential Game 7 would be on Sunday in San Francisco.   

Game Six, our place. pic.twitter.com/PPjcSgHf8P

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 11, 2023

However, the more significant concern was the fact that Anthony Davis got injured in the fourth quarter and did not return.  

The superstar forward took an inadvertent elbow from Warriors' center Kevon Looney, and Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and the NBA on TNT reported that he was in a wheelchair following the injury. 

Anthony Davis has been escorted away in a wheelchair for further evaluation. https://t.co/vmhusZYPMT

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 11, 2023

What is the latest? 

Haynes (later in the evening) reported that the eight-time NBA All-Star likely does not have a concussion. 

It appears that Anthony Davis has avoided a concussion, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/MG6d7YROdh

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 11, 2023

On Thursday, Haynes and ESPN's Dave McMenamin both reported positive updates about Davis' playing status for Game 6 on Friday night. 

Via Haynes: "Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis (head injury) is expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport."

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis (head injury) is expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 11, 2023

Via McMenamin: "As I just reported on NBA Today, a source close to Anthony Davis told ESPN on Thursday morning he "doesn't envision any scenario" where AD would miss Friday's Game 6 against the Warriors. "It's the playoffs," the source added."

As I just reported on NBA Today, a source close to Anthony Davis told ESPN on Thursday morning he "doesn't envision any scenario" where AD would miss Friday's Game 6 against the Warriors. "It's the playoffs," the source added.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 11, 2023

Conclusion:

Davis has dealt with significant injuries over the last few seasons (he has only played 60+ games once since 2020), but this one was a total fluke. 

Based on the reporting from Haynes and McMenamin (two of the best insiders), the Lakers should have their star forward in the lineup on Friday night. 

The Lakers will likely release his official injury status later in the evening. 

Through the first 11 games of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Davis is averaging an outstanding 21.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per contest while shooting 52.9% from the field. 

ONLY ANTHONY DAVIS CAN MAKE THIS BLOCK 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oFNxTdxML6

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) May 3, 2023

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