Lakers' Anthony Davis Won't Play vs. Timberwolves Because of Back Injury

According to Dave McMenamin, Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis will miss Friday's game against Minnesota due to lower back tightness.

Davis sat out the preseason game against the Phoenix Suns because of a back problem, which will be his first missed game during the 2022-23 regular season. He was being held out for precautionary reasons, according to the team.

In four games this season, Davis has averaged 24.0 points, 9.5 rebound, 2.8 steals, 2.3 blocks and 2.0 assists, while shooting 54.7% from the field.

He had trouble staying healthy in each of the last two seasons, so the Lakers should be used to his absence. He played in 36 games the year before, but only played 40 last season. He has never played more than 75 games in a season since he was the top pick.

Davis is a special talent who is capable of being the Lakers' top offensive option as well as a difference maker on defense.

In his 40 appearances in the All-Star game, the eight-time All-Star averaged 21.2 points, 9.9 rebound, 3.1 assists and 2.3 blocks. The Los Angeles finished with a disappointing 33-47 record.

The Lakers are 0-4 and AD's absence against Minnesota doesn't bode well.

With Davis out again, the likes of Damian Jones and Matt Ryan are likely to see a boost in playing time, while the likes of James and Russell will be looked upon to pick up the slack on the offensive side.