Los Angeles Lakers have been dealt a blow as power forward Anthony Davis fell ill in their 116-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Davis had to be taken off in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for what appeared to be flu-like symptoms. The 29-year-old’s absence was apparent as the Lakers struggled defensively against the Cavs.
The Lakers have seen revived form lately after a poor start to the season. Prior to Tuesday’s defeat, the Lakers had won four games on the bounce, including a 133-129 victory at Milwaukee Bucks. Davis a central figure in those victories, scoring a lip-smacking 99 points against the Bucks (44 points) and Washington Wizards (55 points).
Lakers coach Darwin Ham understands the impact of Davis’ absence and has revealed he is not likely to play in their next match against Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Ham also revealed that Davis had not tested for COVID-19 which also presents flu-like symptoms.
“His temperature was 101 and some change,” Ham was quoted by the NBA website. “A-D wanted to try to play, but he felt too weak. He’s drained and dehydrated. That’s a huge loss, obviously, with the way he’s been playing lately.
“Because of COVID, people forget that there is a common cold and a common flu out there. That’s what we’re dealing with here.”
The Lakers are still far from the playoff zone as they sit second from last in the Western Conference with a record of 10 wins and 13 losses this season.
