Anthony Davis exits Lakers-Cavs game with flu-like symptoms, not returning
Anthony Davis left Tuesday night’s game in Cleveland late in the first quarter with flu-like symptoms and did not return.
CLEVELAND (AP) – The flu shut down Anthony Davis. That’s the only thing stopping him lately.
Davis was forced out of Los Angeles’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after the first quarter on Tuesday night and the Lakers struggled without their All-Star center in a 116-102 loss
Davis had scored 99 points in his previous two games and was on a tear over the last 10 as the Lakers went 8-2 to erase most of a horrible start to this season. He scored just one point in eight minutes before being forced off.
Davis didn’t attempt a shot while adding three rebounds and two assists before being forced to sit out the night.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Davis’ symptoms gradually worsened throughout the day.
“His temperature was 101 and some change,” Ham said. “AD wanted to try to play, but he felt too weak. He is exhausted and dehydrated. That’s a big loss, obviously, with the way he’s been playing lately.”
Ham said Davis is unlikely to play Wednesday in Toronto. He also stressed that Davis had not tested positive for COVID-19.
“Because of COVID, people forget that there is a common cold and flu,” Ham said. “That’s what we’re dealing with here.”
The eight-time All-Star, who has played in just 76 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, was named NBA 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. 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 interior 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 a road-high 17 rebounds. Reserve Thomas Bryant replaced Davis and scored a season-high 19 points in 28 minutes, but Los Angeles couldn’t make up for the loss of Davis.
“This is a tall order,” James said. “Literally and figuratively.”
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