Is Anthony Davis Playing? Final Lakers vs Clippers Injury Report Revealed

The Lakers are gearing up for a Sunday game against the Los Angeles Clippers, though they may be without two important players, including star center Anthony Davis. Davis was listed as probable for this game against the Clippers but will play.
Anthony Davis has been upgraded to available tonight against the Clippers, the team says.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 20, 2025
Davis was a late rule-out for the team’s previous matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, where the Lakers were able to escape with a one-point win without the help of the star center and Dorian Finney-Smith.
The 31-year-old has been managing a foot injury sustained during the Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors, where he had to leave early and did not return. Since then, Davis has been taking his recovery step by step, playing through discomfort when possible.
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When fully healthy, Davis is a game-changer for the Lakers, both offensively and defensively. This season, he's averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, solidifying his reputation as one of the NBA's top defenders and scorers. His presence in the paint is crucial to the Lakers' defensive identity, which ranks among the best in the league when he's on the floor.
Davis' impact has been especially noticeable recently. He plays a critical role in rim protection and rebounding, and when he's unavailable, the Lakers struggle defensively. Without him, opponents are able to score more inside and take advantage of second-chance opportunities. Davis is also pivotal to the Lakers' fast-break offense.
With Davis on the floor, the Lakers' defensive rating stands at 108.7, but it rises to 112.6 when he's off the court. Offensively, the team also faces difficulties in generating efficient scoring and rebounding without his contributions, leading to more inconsistent play.
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It’s clear that the Lakers perform better with Davis in the lineup. His influence goes beyond stats—he anchors the defense and is a reliable offensive force. Without him, the team lacks both his leadership and overall effectiveness, which has been evident in games where he's been sidelined.
This season, injuries to other key frontcourt players like Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes have left the Lakers thin in the paint. This has placed additional strain on Davis and Rui Hachimura to carry the load. If Davis misses more time, the Lakers' frontcourt will become even more vulnerable.
As Davis continues his recovery, the Lakers are hoping for his full return, knowing that his performance is essential to their success this season.
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