Lakers’ Anthony Davis dealing with concerning illness ahead of Clippers showdown

Tuesday marked the absence of All-Star Anthony Davis from Los Angeles Lakers practice. His absence was attributed to a “upper respiratory illness,” according to a Lakers spokesperson. Regarding AD’s condition for Wednesday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, the team did not disclоse any details.

Davis is undergoing recovery from a voice loss that, according to Darvin Ham, may have hindered him from communicating effectively in his role as a back-line defender during last Thursday’s Lakers loss to the Golden State Warriors. In addition to his 27 points (11 of 19 shooting), the star big man contributed 15 rebounds and three rejections. The following night, he recorded 28 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. On Sunday, he contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds in a defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

Already shorthanded on the front line, Christian Wood’s knee effusion will keep him side for at least a few more weeks for the Lakers. Ham reports that two-way center Colin Castleton, who was on the verge of suffering a bur𝚗, has a fractured right wrist.

The Lakers have struggled with defensive rebounding and second-chance points throughout the entire season, notwithstanding AD’s heroic efforts on the glass. The Lakers were outrebounded by seventeen on Sunday.

Ham stated during Tuesday’s practice that the Lakers had recently focused their film sessions on defensive rebounding. At this time, Jaxson Hayes is the sole remaining available center on the roster as a result of their numerous injuries.

Ham stated, “Every single clip was terrible” in reference to the film that the Lakers evaluated.

Davis has made 55 of 59 appearances this season, contributing approximately 35.7 minutes per contest while averaging 24.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 rejections. Additionally, he shoots 55.7% from the floor. In his absence, the Lakers have recorded a 1-3 record.

On Tuesday, the 31-28 Los Angeles franchise trailed the 33-24 Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks by three games for the No. 7 and No. 8 positions, respectively, in the Western Conference playoff standings. The gap between them and the Warriors, who are 29-27 overall, is only a half-game.

Seven of the Lakers’ subsequent eight contests will be against playoff opponents, beginning on Wednesday.