LOS ANGELES — Lakers forward Anthony Davis is questionable for Game 5 of L.A.’s first round series with the Phoenix Suns after an MRI on Monday confirmed a strained groin for the eight-time All-Star, coach Frank Vogel said.
There is not great optimism within the Lakers organization that Davis will be able to play on Tuesday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, as the groin injury he sustained late in the first half of Game 4 typically requires a week to recover from.
Davis already pushed through a sprained left knee to start on Sunday, telling reporters before that game there was “no chance” he would miss it, however the groin injury forced him out at halftime. He finished with just six points on 2-of-9 shooting in 19 minutes.
Vogel said on a video conference call Monday that Davis has the same determination for Game 5, with the series tied 2-2.
“I mean, these guys, they’re great competitors. They’re always going to say, ‘I’m ignoring this. I’m going to be in there.’ So, we’ll just see,” Vogel said. “That’s what his mindset is, like any competitor, but we’ll see what the groin feels like [Tuesday] and we’ll make a smart decision. But he’s in good spirits.”
Davis will fly with the team to Phoenix on Monday afternoon and receive overnight treatment on the groin, according to Vogel.
“Do everything we can to get it feeling better,” Vogel said.
Kyle Kuzma started the second half of Game 4 in Davis’ place, but Vogel would not confirm whether Kuzma would get the same assignment Tuesday should Davis sit.
“You think I’m going to give you the direction I’m going to go?” Vogel said with a laugh. “I’m not going to give you the direction I’m going to go in Game 5.”
The coach did reveal one part of his lineup, however, saying the Lakers were “hopeful” that starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would play Tuesday after a sore left knee kept him out of Game 4.