Anthony Davis Shakes Of The Rust Against Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel has consistently warned it will take Anthony Davis some time to find his rhythm. 

“He’s going to need his get his legs under him as to be expected,” Vogel said before the Dallas Mavericks game on Thursday.

 “You can’t simulate NBA action. That’s what tonight’s going to be about. That’s what the next few games are going to be about. This is an important first step for sure.”

So it proved in Davis’ first game in 67 days after his recovery from a calf strain and Achilles tendinosis. Anthony Davis missed 8-of-10 shots, two free throws and went 2-for-10 from the field in 17 minutes. 

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Anthony Davis finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and one steal in his comeback game. The Lakers ultimately lost to Dallas, but there was a feeling of positivity around the return of their star.

“It was great to have him back in a Lakers uniform and on the floor for us,” Vogel said. 

“He had a little bit of rust, but I thought he played extremely well. And we’re super excited to have him back out there. … Even though we lost, it was a really positive night for the Lakers in terms of where we’re going.”

Davis insisted he felt fine after the game, and doesn’t foresee his injury acting as a mental block going forward.

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“I didn’t think about it one time tonight,” Davis said. 

“Honestly, I just went out there and played. I think it can limit what you do if you’re out there thinking about your injury, so I just went out and played and not think about it. Just go out there and have fun and be excited to be back on the floor. That was my main thing. I was just excited to be back on the floor with the guys, so I never thought about it. I never did a limit to any moves. Wasn’t hesitant with anything, so that was a good sign for me.”