Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis Cleared For Return to Practice After Calf Strain

Anthony Davis has spent much of the season on the sidelines. After getting off to a difficult start to the NBA season, Davis suffered a calf strain in early February. The Lakers immediately kept him away from the court, fearing that the injury could lead to something worse. After what happened to Kevin Durant in 2019, the Lakers didn’t want to risk it. But now, it appears that AD is on the way.

AD cleared for full-contact practice

Orthopedic Surgeon and doctor to NBA stars Robert Klapper revealed that Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis is nearing a return. He simply Tweeted the word ‘Cleared’. This means that Anthony Davis now has the green light to do full-contact practice, and even participate in five-on-five sessions as he inches closer to a return. However, his return to the game won’t be a complete one from the get-go.

READ MORE: WATCH: Lakers’ Superstar LeBron James Putting In The Work To Get Back To Full FitnessApril 15, 2021

Anthony Davis needs to find his footing again

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel noted that when Davis returns, he will be on a minutes restriction. This is to ensure that he doesn’t aggravate his injury, and also give him time to make a recovery. The expectation is that Davis won’t play for more than 20 minutes in his first few games back, as his body adjusts to the NBA after not playing for almost three months.

However, any return from Davis given the Lakers’ current form will be welcome. The Lakers really need Davis, and LeBron James in order to salvage their season and make a final push for a higher seed going into the last stretch of the year.

“Whenever it is that he returns, it’s not going to be a full return to playing 30-something minutes a night. Especially with the nature of practice and how shorthanded we are, he’s going to have to use some games to try to get himself back in shape. So the first two games he’s back will likely be short-minute performances.”

READ MORE: Matt Barnes Believes LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ Absence Will Be Beneficial for Lakers in PlayoffsApril 15, 2021

Will Anthony Davis’ return boost the Los Angeles Lakers? Davis is still a top-five player in the NBA, and his presence will certainly boost morale. However, there are many people who are concerned that the Lakers are bringing him back too early. But the Lakers have consistently practiced caution in the matter of AD’s return, and their judgment should be given the benefit of the doubt.

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