Anthony Davis (back) says he’ll play when Lakers start play-in round

Field Level Media|published: Sun 14th April, 22:38 2024

Apr 14, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. credits: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis said he will be ready for the start of the team's postseason on Tuesday after leaving Sunday's regular-season final early due to back spasms.

The Lakers are in the Western Conference play-in tournament as the No. 8 seed and will face the No. 7 New Orleans Pelicans.

It will be a rematch of Sunday's game, when Los Angeles beat host New Orleans 124-108 despite Davis leaving during the fourth quarter to receive treatment for back spasms.

Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. pushed Davis from behind while Davis jumped for a rebound. The oft-injured Davis later explained his "back just locked up" as a result.

"I was in the air," Davis said. "Obviously it's a dangerous play. I know he's not a dirty player."

Davis, who started his career with the Pelicans, finished with a team-high 30 points on 13-of-17 shooting and 11 rebounds for the Lakers. He finished the season averaging 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds over 76 games.

—Field Level Media