Lakers Star Anthony Davis Showed His True Mental Toughness in LA's Massive Win Over Bucks
With LeBron James out, Anthony Davis pushed through a left knee injury to help the Los Angeles Lakers claim a 128-124 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Lakers weren't just without James, but they were trailing 88-74 heading into the fourth quarter. With Davis hurt, no LeBron, and the team going up against one of the top teams in the NBA, it would have been easy for Los Angeles to call it quits. Instead, the team rallied behind Davis to earn a double overtime win on the road.
After the game, Austin Reaves gave credit to Davis and his mentality for helping the Lakers push through.
“With how the game was going, we could’ve easily moved on to tomorrow because all these games are must wins and we need him feeling as good as anybody going into these games,” Reaves said, via The Athletic's Jovan Buha. “But his mentality (is) to stick with it.”
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham added that Davis got approval from the team's medical staff to continue playing.
“He assured me he was gonna push through,” Ham said, via Buha. “(The medical staff) said it was OK. Just tolerance — whatever he could tolerate. And kudos to him, man. He played his ass off.”
Overall, Davis was phenomenal. He recorded 34 points, 23 rebounds and two assists, leading both teams in scoring and rebounds during the game. Davis also got some help from Reaves and D'Angelo Russell. Reaves and Russell both scored 29 points for the Lakers. Reaves also put together a triple-double, with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Russell added 12 assists and seven rebounds to his point total.
The good news for the Lakers is not only did they secure the win, but they are expected to get James back for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. With Davis now holding another injury, this will be key as the Lakers shoot for their fifth straight win.
