Anthony Davis suffers back spasms Sunday vs. Pelicans, expected to play Tuesday in rematch

Postgame update: According to head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers are “extremely optimistic” Davis will play Tuesday in the rematch between the Lakers and Pelicans for the No. 7 seed in the West. Given Davis’ ability to push through back spasms earlier in the season, I think its fair to believe he can suit up for Tuesday’s game since the stakes are so high.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis appears to be dealing with a back injury in the final game of the regular season Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans. While the game is almost over, this is a significant development as these teams are likely to play again Tuesday in the first play-in game if the result holds. Davis went back to the locker room for further evaluation. At the time he left, Davis had 30 points and 11 rebounds in the game.

After holding up for much of the season, Davis has had some problematic events in terms of health over the last week. He first suffered an eye injury last Sunday, which aggravated a previous bruise he had sustained. It cost him a few games but he was able to return. Davis did play through some back issues for a portion of the season, although he never seemed to be hindered by them. If the Lakers are unable to have his services for Tuesday’s play-in game, that would be a devastating blow for them.

If Davis is unable to go for the play-in tournament, Jaxson Hayes likely gets the start at center for Los Angeles. The Lakers could also go smaller with Rui Hachimura or eve LeBron James at center, but Hayes is probably the best bet. There’s no word on whether Jarred Vanderbilt or Christian Wood could be ready for the play-in game but the former seems more likely to be available than the later.