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
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.
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.
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.
Lakers’ Anthony
