Lakers’ Anthony Davis Clears Eye Injury, To Play Against Memphis

Lakers’ Anthony Davis Clears Eye Injury, To Play Against Memphis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Lakers star Anthony Davis has shaken off his recent eye injury after being poked by Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl and will return to the court against Memphis without protective goggles. Although his left eye was visibly discolored, Davis, in strong early-season form, dismissed concerns about the injury and reiterated his preference to play without eyewear. Averaging 31.2 points per game, Davis is sparking MVP discussions and is critical to the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.

Anthony Davis Recovers from Eye Injury, Chooses No Goggles for Return to Lakers Quick Looks

• Injury Update: Davis cleared for play against Memphis after eye injury, showing visible discoloration.
• No Goggles for Now: Despite recurring eye pokes, Davis maintains his preference against wearing protective goggles.
• MVP-Caliber Start: Davis averages 31.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, crucial to Lakers’ success.
• Past Eye Incidents: He had a corneal abrasion last season but played through it, similar to his approach now.
• Lakers’ Playoff Hopes: With a 6-4 start, the team relies heavily on Davis’s health and high-level performance.

Deep Look

Anthony Davis, the star big man for the Los Angeles Lakers, has recovered from an eye injury sustained during Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors and is cleared to play in the Lakers’ upcoming match against Memphis. The injury occurred when Raptors center Jakob Poeltl accidentally poked Davis in the left eye as Davis made an impressive one-handed block, which forced him to leave the game in the third quarter. Despite the setback and visible bruising, Davis downplayed any lingering effects, confidently stating that he would be ready for Wednesday’s game against Memphis without the need for protective goggles.

Davis has a history of avoiding protective eyewear despite a series of face and eye injuries throughout his career, preferring the freedom and comfort of playing without goggles. Addressing the recurring question of whether he would finally consider wearing goggles like former NBA greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Amar’e Stoudemire, Davis was quick to respond, “No.” He explained that doctors had not recommended goggles, adding, “I don’t want to, and the doctor said I didn’t have to.” Still, Davis left the door open, saying he would wear goggles only if a future medical directive required it.

This approach reflects Davis’s longstanding resistance to wearing protective equipment, dating back to his early basketball days. He briefly wore goggles during his youth and also attempted to use them during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run in the NBA’s pandemic bubble. However, he quickly abandoned them, citing the inconvenience and discomfort they caused. Despite another eye injury in March of last season, in which he suffered a corneal abrasion, Davis continued to play without missing any games. This resilience has become a hallmark of his style, even as he regularly encounters intense physicality on the court.

In addition to his recent eye injury, Davis has faced a range of injuries over the years, yet he remains crucial to the Lakers’ hopes. Now in his eleventh NBA season and currently enjoying one of his strongest starts, Davis’s performance is sparking MVP chatter, especially given his impressive stats across scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Averaging 31.2 points per game along with 10.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks, Davis is a central force in the Lakers’ 6-4 start. His combination of scoring ability and defensive presence has given the team a strong edge, as they aim to build a solid foundation for the rest of the season.

Davis’s resilience and determination were on full display in Sunday’s game. Even after his departure, the Lakers rallied to a decisive 123-103 victory over the Raptors. Though Davis missed the remainder of the game, his high-impact play and early contributions helped the Lakers maintain momentum. His absence underscored just how vital he is to the team, whose fans, coaches, and teammates rely on his two-way performance to stay competitive in the Western Conference.

Davis’s eye injury and subsequent recovery come amid a season filled with promise for the Lakers, who are banking on a playoff run powered by his dominant play. His early-season form has cemented his reputation as one of the league’s top performers. He is currently ranked second in the NBA for scoring, sparking MVP talk and setting the stage for a potential standout season. With his strong start, Davis has proven his ability to lead, scoring effectively while securing rebounds, blocking shots, and making plays for his teammates. His versatile skill set makes him a constant threat on both ends of the court, providing the Lakers with stability and a core foundation.

For now, Davis is focusing on preparing for Memphis and moving past his eye injury without any noticeable disruption to his style of play. Lakers medical staff have cleared him for play without any additional protective measures, citing his quick recovery and stable condition. When asked about his return, Davis emphasized his readiness and commitment to performing at a high level, saying he aims to get back to his regular routine with minimal adjustments.

While eye injuries can pose significant risks, particularly for a high-contact player like Davis, he remains confident in his decision to forgo goggles. The Lakers are supportive of his choice, especially since the team doctors agree that there is no immediate medical reason for him to wear eye protection. However, should he sustain further facial injuries, the medical team may revisit their recommendations. “If it gets to a point where doctor orders are to [wear goggles], I would,” Davis acknowledged, indicating a willingness to adapt if future injuries make protective gear necessary.

The Lakers are hopeful that Davis’s presence in the lineup will continue to propel them toward success in the Western Conference, where competition is fierce and every game counts. His ongoing impact is crucial not only to the team’s immediate success but also to their long-term prospects for a deep playoff run. The team’s fan base has rallied behind Davis, especially as his impressive early-season numbers have generated excitement for what may be an MVP-worthy year. As the Lakers gear up for Wednesday’s game against Memphis, Davis’s focus remains on contributing to his team’s success, eye injury aside.

This season, Davis’s playstyle embodies a combination of resilience, skill, and tenacity that has endeared him to Lakers fans and propelled the team to a promising start. His performance has not only bolstered the team’s record but has also reignited hopes for another championship run. If Davis can stay healthy and maintain his MVP-caliber performance, the Lakers’ playoff aspirations seem well within reach. For now, Davis is set to take the court with his usual intensity, proving once again that he is undeterred by setbacks as he continues his journey through a remarkable season.

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