The Los Angeles Lakers don’t know how they’ll look in Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers just yet, because they’re waiting to find out just how well Anthony Davis can see.
Davis, who was poked in the right eye by Michael Carter-Williams during Saturday’s scrimmage against the Orlando Magic, did not practice Tuesday. The All-Star big man spent the session in a seat on the sideline while sporting shaded eyewear.
“He’s day-to-day and while he’s still dealing with discomfort, there is some concern that he could potentially not play Thursday,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said on a video conference. “But we’re hopeful that he does, and we’ll see how that plays out. He’s going to continue to be evaluated each day.”
Vogel, who has used the term “discomfort” on several occasions to describe Davis’ situation since Saturday, was asked to elaborate. Does that mean blurred vision? “I don’t know if I’m allowed to really get into the details of it, other than that’s what they told me to report,” Vogel said. “So that’s all I can give you.”
Davis looked dominant in L.A.’s second scrimmage since reporting to Orlando, putting up nine points and 10 rebounds in limited minutes before exiting the game when Carter-Williams’ hand inadvertently caught Davis’ face while swiping for the ball. The eight-year veteran averaged 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.4 blocks in his inaugural season with the Lakers prior to the NBA going on hiatus in March.
The Lakers will have to update Davis’ status on Wednesday, according to league rules. The NBA recently told teams in a memo that participation status for every player — detailing an injury, illness or the potential for a rest day — has to be submitted by 5 p.m. ET the day before a game, according to The Undefeated’s Marc Spears.
Vogel’s colloquial use of “day to day” for Davis is not an accepted status. Teams must choose to designate their players as either available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out.
