Amidst the latest setback for the Los Angeles Lakers, a 140-111 beatdown at the hands of the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, there may be a sliver of hope on the horizon.
It has been nearly a month since superstar big man Anthony Davis sprained his foot, and he is showing progress, making him feel hopeful that he will return soon.
Via ESPN:
“I’m very optimistic about it,” Davis told a small group of reporters before the Lakers played the Suns on Sunday, making his first comments about the injury since it occurred Feb. 16. “I’m trying to get back on the court as soon as possible. As far as a number or something, I would love to say 100 but with only a certain amount of games yet, not 100 percent sure.”
Reportedly, Davis is now out of a walking foot he has had to wear since the injury occurred. He admitted that his foot swelled up to the size of a softball shortly after the incident.
With about four weeks left in the regular season, time is ticking on the Lakers’ opportunity to salvage what has been a disastrous year and find a way to reach the postseason.
They currently hold the ninth seed in the Western Conference, but with the way they’ve been playing lately – they’re just 2-7 since the All-Star break and have lost 19 of their last 27 games – not even making the play-in tournament is a possibility.
Once Davis returns to game action, there will be a requisite adjustment period during which the team will need to build chemistry and Davis will need to get back to being in game shape.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said that Davis will start participating in shooting drills on Monday. The perennial All-Star said he has been working on maintaining his cardio fitness while he has been out.