Lakers injury updates: What’s wrong with LeBron and Anthony Davis?

Will the Lakers’ superstars be on the floor for a Christmas Day showdown with the Clippers?

The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule is headlined by a battle for Los Angeles between the Lakers and Clippers – a potential Western Conference Finals preview – but the Lakers roster have been dealing with significant injury issues in the run up to their biggest game of the season so far.

Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been forced off the floor due to injuries in the last two weeks, and both stars are questionable for Wednesday’s game (8:00 p.m. ET, ABC). Here’s everything we know about the status of LeBron James and Anthony Davis heading into Christmas.

What’s wrong with LeBron?

James suffered a thoracic muscle strain on December 17th during a game against the Pacers. The Lakers played that night without Anthony Davis, and lost 105-102, the first loss of their current losing streak. James played through the injury at Milwaukee in a high-profile game the Lakers narrowly lost, but missed the team’s loss to Denver on December 22nd.

What’s wrong with Anthony Davis?

Davis has been dealing with an unspecified right shoulder injury for much of the season. According to his former Pelicans teammate Kendrick Perkins, Davis has been dealing with a shoulder issue for several years.

Davis suffered a sprained ankle on December 15th against the Hawks, which forced him to miss a game against the Pacers. Davis returned to the lineup against the Bucks, but tweaked his knee midway through the Lakers last game against the Nuggets. Davis was able to remain in the game, but coach Frank Vogel announced Monday that Davis is questionable to play on Christmas Day.

Will LeBron and AD play against the Clippers?

According to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James is expected to play against the Clippers.

There has not yet been an update on Davis’ status, but given that he was able to finish the game against the Nuggets, it seems likely that he’ll be on the floor.

The good news for the Lakers is that the rest of the team is getting healthier. Avery Bradley has returned from a hairline fracture in his right leg, and Kyle Kuzma, who has been limited all season due to injuries, said after the Nuggets game that he’s feeling the best he has all season.

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