Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis took a nasty spill versus the New York Knicks earlier this week and suffered a bruised back in the process.
Ahead of Friday night’s game versus the Dallas Mavericks, Lakers coach Frank Vogel offered an update on Davis’ status.
Frank Vogel said Anthony Davis is “still very sore but not ruled out for tomorrow” against Dallas. If he can’t play, Kyle Kuzma will start.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) January 9, 2020
The night off will not only offer Davis an opportunity to fully recover, it will also offer the Lakers an opportunity to showcase Kyle Kuzma.
Numerous recent reports have pointed to the Lakers’ willingness to deal Kuzma in order to strengthen their roster.
Whether or not the Lakers ultimately decide to part ways with Kuzma is yet to be seen. However, it cannot be denied that it is useful to be able to display him in a starting role as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
As for Davis, it is unclear if he will be able to play in Saturday’s game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.
If he misses that game, his next opportunity to suit up will come on Monday in a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.