MY ACCOUNT
Anthony Davis joked he was more concerned about LeBron James than his own recovering knee following a celebration during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-96 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets.
Superstar James put up 33 points as the Lakers moved to 24-24 in an inconsistent season, but it was the return of Davis after a 17-game absence with a sprained knee that will have been a particularly pleasing sight.
Davis contributed eight points to go with two assists and two rebounds from 25 minutes on court and the Lakers will hope his return can help spark a strong run in the latter half of the season.
There was one moment of concern for Davis, though, who knocked James off balance after his illustrious team-mate managed a couple of steals and dunks in quick succession during the fourth quarter.
“Can’t think about it. When I’m on the floor I try not to think about it,” Davis said about his knee and the celebrations.
“I was what, a month, five weeks, doing a lot of weightlifting. So, I hit him, he kind of like fell over. I was more worried for him than my knee!”
Davis took little time getting back up to speed and blocked three shots in a first quarter that saw the Lakers leading 33-25.
James was delighted to have his team-mate back on court.
“Obviously right away you see what he’s capable of,” James said.
“We draw a play right to start the game, I was able to turn the corner and threw a late lob that he was still able to throw home. So very exciting to have him back.”
The Nets were still without Kevin Durant (knee), while Kyrie Irving was again unavailable. Irving is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and therefore is not eligible to play in matches in New York under the city’s health protocols.
James Harden had 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists but was later asked about reports he is frustrated at the Nets.
“Listen, I don’t know about any reports,” Harden said. “Of course I’m frustrated because we’re not healthy, there’s a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason.
“Injuries, COVID, whatever you want to call it, so yeah, it is frustrating. I think everyone in this organisation is frustrated because we are better than our record is and we should be on the way up. So that’s all it is.”
The reports suggested Harden is frustrated by Irving’s mixed availability and the rotations of head coach Steve Nash, who said he cannot imagine his player making such comments.
“So I’m not sure what to believe,” Nash said.
“James and I speak all the time and I think we have a great relationship, so I’m not sure the validity of these comments to be honest with you.”
