The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major setback as Anthony Davis was sidelined due to injury in a lopsided loss to a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad on Tuesday.
Davis exited the game with an abdominal muscle strain with just over two minutes left in the first quarter, leaving the Lakers with a slim 20-17 lead in Philadelphia. The 76ers, missing key players Joel Embiid and Paul George, capitalized on Davis’ absence and dominated the second quarter, building a 16-point lead on their way to a 118-104 victory.
This defeat snapped the Lakers’ four-game winning streak, which included impressive victories over the Celtics and Warriors. With Davis’ availability uncertain, the team will continue their road trip with games against the Wizards, Knicks, and Clippers before returning home to face the Warriors on Feb. 6.
How long will Davis be sidelined?
After leaving the court during a timeout, Davis headed to the locker room clutching his abdomen. Initially listed as questionable to return with an abdominal muscle strain, the Lakers eventually ruled him out for the remainder of the game. The timeline for Davis’ return is currently unknown, and the exact cause of his injury remains unclear. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that there were no updates on Davis’ status post-game.
Lakers struggle after Davis’ departure
The Lakers visibly struggled without Davis on the court, particularly on the defensive end. The 76ers outscored them 48-32 in the second quarter, establishing a commanding 73-57 lead at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, Philadelphia had extended their lead to 99-76.
Despite a late push from both teams’ benches, the Lakers failed to mount a comeback and ultimately fell short. Davis contributed only four points, two rebounds, and one steal in his limited 10-minute appearance. Prior to his injury, Davis had been in top form, averaging 32.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game during the Lakers’ recent winning streak.
With Davis sidelined, LeBron James took on a larger offensive role, scoring 31 points and adding nine rebounds and eight assists. Rookie Dalton Knecht also stepped up with 24 points, shooting 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. However, their efforts were not enough against a strong 76ers team that exploited the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities in Davis’ absence. The loss drops the Lakers to a 26-19 record, placing them in fifth in the Western Conference standings. Given the tight race among playoff contenders, the severity of Davis’ injury could have significant implications for the postseason.
Maxey shines for short-handed Sixers
Tyrese Maxey led the charge for the undermanned 76ers with an impressive 43-point performance, shooting 15 of 26 from the field and converting all nine of his free throws. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in with 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Ricky Council contributed 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The 76ers capitalized on turnovers, forcing 22 from the Lakers, and dominated in field goals attempted with a 91-72 advantage.
Despite missing Embiid for his 12th consecutive game due to foot and knee injuries, and George with a left pinkie finger tendon injury, the 76ers showcased their depth and resilience in the win. Embiid’s return timeline remains uncertain, while George is considered day-to-day according to head coach Nick Nurse.
With this victory, the 76ers improved to an 18-27 record, positioning them in contention for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference at 11th place.