Anthony Davis to rest injured Achilles; no rupture

Anthony Davis exited Sunday’s game against the Nuggets during the 2nd quarter.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Forward Anthony Davis’ injured Achilles tendon is not ruptured, and he will be reevaluated when the Los Angeles Lakers return from their road trip.

The defending NBA champions made the announcement Monday after an MRI exam for Davis, who is out indefinitely. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Davis is expected to be reevaluated in 2-3 weeks.

Anthony Davis' MRI revealed a calf strain and a re-aggravation of the right Achilles tendonosis, source said. Once Davis returns to Los Angeles, he'll immediately get another evaluation there. It is extremely unlikely Davis returns to lineup prior to ASG break ending March 10.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021

The All-NBA first-teamer left the Lakers’ game at Denver in the second quarter Sunday night with an apparent aggravation of the tendonosis that has bothered his right heel for at least two weeks. The seven-time All-Star had already missed five games this season with various minor injuries.

The Lakers (21-7) have nine games left before the All-Star break, starting Tuesday at Minnesota. Sitting in second place in the Western Conference, they are likely to be cautious with their superstar big man with an eye on keeping him healthy for the stretch run.

Davis’ offensive production is down this season with the Lakers less reliant on him after the additions of Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol.

The nine-year veteran is averaging 22.5 points — his lowest scoring average since his second NBA season — along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

Davis was reinjured when he bumped into the leg of Nikola Jokic while driving to the hoop in Denver.

Davis sat out two games last week to rest his Achilles tendon, but returned with a 35-point game against Memphis last Friday.