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Why Anthony Davis is Not Playing in Lakers-Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 7:03 PM ET

After a dominating win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers looked to make it two consecutive games on Saturday night.

The Lakers, in the midst of a six-game road trip, traveled to Madison Square Garden to face Jalen Brunson and the red-hot New York Knicks in a nationally televised battle.

Unfortunately for Los Angeles, it was without one of its All-Stars on Saturday night as Anthony Davis was ruled out due to an abdominal muscle strain.

Davis sustained the injury early in Tuesday's loss to Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing him to miss the rest of the game. An MRI on Wednesday revealed it was a strain and is expected to be re-evaluated sometime next week.

LAKERS MEDICAL UPDATE:

Lakers forward Anthony Davis underwent an MRI today that confirmed an abdominal muscle strain. The injury occurred in the first quarter of Tuesday night’s game at Philadelphia.

Davis will return to Los Angeles today and be re-evaluated in approximately…
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 29, 2025

Davis wasn't the only Lakers player to miss the big game in New York City. Guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain) and forwards Cam Reddish (personal reasons) and Dorian Finney-Smith (right shoulder contusion) have also been ruled out for Saturday's game.

The Lakers had a tough task with Davis out, as Karl-Anthony Towns has proven to be an elite force in his first season since being traded to the Knicks. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby add more two-way threats, while Brunson is their top scorer.

Davis, in his sixth season with the Lakers, was named to his 10 All-Star Game. During the season, the former New Orleans Pelicans star averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks.

Following the Knicks game, the Lakers will head back to Los Angeles to close out their six-game trip with the Clippers on Tuesday. Then, they will remain in LA for a three-game homestand against the Warriors, Pacers and Jazz.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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