Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has finally returned to play after missing over a month with a sprained MCL.
Davis entered the season determined to make himself available for L.A. as much as he possibly could. Earlier in 2021-22, the All-Star forward scored 32 points and collected 12 rebounds in an overtime victory over the Charlotte Hornets despite struggling with a stomach bug.
The MCL sprain eventually sidelined him for a lengthy period. Still, Davis said he was progressing faster than initially anticipated during his rehab.
“I think the most part it was just trying to get the pain to go away,” the 28-year-old said after his return against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
“I think the first week and a half, I was able to do single-leg squats, two-leg squats. I was able to run a little bit. I was moving ahead of pace and then met with doctors after the four-week period, I was able to get out of the brace and walk around without it. Kind of go on the court and work out without it.”
“And then it was just about feel for me.”
But Davis and the Lakers resisted the urge to rush his return, waiting until the forward’s body felt ready to get back in play again.
“I was comfortable enough to go out there and play. After the two-on-two I had out in Miami with DJ, Baze, and Wayne [Ellington], I felt very comfortable to play tonight. So that’s kind of been what it was and it was a great rehab. I was able to get my body fully right and now we move forward.”
Frank Vogel: Lakers missed Davis on defense
One thing that was immediately apparent when Davis returned against the Nets was how much the Lakers missed him defensively. Although he didn’t shine on offense, head coach Frank Vogel said the forward made a big difference on the other end of the court, finishing with four blocks.
“Obviously, not a big scoring night, but his anchor to our defense is something that’s been sorely missed and the ability to mix pitches with him being a five-man and a rim protector and then going centerless when he’s out is something that we envision will be really good for us,” Vogel said.
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