Lakers star Anthony Davis leaves game vs. Cavaliers early with flu-like symptoms
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis left Tuesday night’s game in Cleveland in the opening minutes with flu-like symptoms.
Davis, late in the first quarter of their 116-102 loss to the Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, was suddenly seen walking back to the locker room. He remained there as the second quarter started, and the team then quickly ruled him out with “flu-like symptoms.”
It’s unclear when the symptoms started, but Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game that Davis had a fever of over 101 degrees. The Lakers are in the midst of a six-game road trip, which will continue on Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors. It’s unknown if Davis will be available.
Davis finished Tuesday night with one point and three rebounds in eight minutes.
Davis entered the game on an incredible offensive tear. He scored 99 points combined in the Lakers’ last two outings, including a 55-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. He’s averaged 34.2 points and 15.4 rebounds while shooting better than 63% from the field over their last 10 games, too.
Davis didn't attempt a shot while adding three rebounds and two assists before being forced to call it a night.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Davis' symptoms gradually got worse during the course of the day.
"His temperature was 101 and some change," Ham said. "A-D wanted to try to play, but he felt too weak. He's drained and dehydrated. That's a huge loss, obviously, with the way he's been playing lately."
Ham said Davis is unlikely to play on Wednesday in Toronto. He also stressed Davis had not tested positive for COVID-19.
"Because of COVID, people forget that there is a common cold and a common flu out there," Ham said. "That's what we're dealing with here."
The eight-time All-Star, who has played just 76 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, was chosen Western Conference player of the week on Monday after averaging 37.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.3 blocks in four games.
In his previous 10 games, the 29-year-old averaged 34.2 points and 15.4 rebounds.스포츠토토링크는 He also shot 63% from the floor and 86% from the free throw line.
Davis scored 55 points in Sunday night's win at Washington, adding 17 rebounds and three blocked shots. He dropped 44 points in the previous game against Milwaukee.
Without him, the Lakers lacked an inside defensive presence and Cavs center Jarrett Allen scored 24 points, 22 in the first half on 10-of-11 shooting.
LeBron James tried to pick up the slack, grabbing 17 rebounds — his most ever in a road game. Reserve Thomas Bryant replaced Davis and scored a season-high 19 points in 28 minutes but Los Angeles couldn't offset the loss of Davis.
"That's a tall task," James said. "Literally and figuratively."
