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Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has never suffered a truly devastating long-term injury in his NBA career. However, Davis racked up a long list of little ailments that wasted his time, which also led to some criticism that he was mild and injury-prone. Davis suffered several injuries throughout the second half of this season, including in the playoffs, and criticism was rife.
Davis injured his knee in Game 3 against the Phoenix Suns before injuring his groin in Game 4, which turned out to be the death knell of the Lakers’ season. He missed Game 5 and then tried to play Game 6 before leaving the game after just five minutes.
Charles Barkley called Davis “Streetclothes” after missing Game 5, then wondered why he was allowed to play in Game 6 when he clearly wasn’t ready. Barkley isn’t the only one poking fun at Davis’s injury story, but the Lakers star doesn’t really care what these people think.
Via Larry Starks and Mark Medina from USA TODAY Sports:
“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone,” Davis said. “I’m not going to prove anything to anyone. It doesn’t matter to me. The things everyone says? It comes with the territory. When you’re a player of my caliber, guys expect things from you and will say things about you. Whatever their reason, it’s my job to be in the field. I know what I’m going through and what I’m playing and what my body is going through. Front desk staff and coaches know this. So I don’t need to prove anything to anyone outside of this Lakers organization.
Davis certainly proved his worth last season when he dominated in the bubble to help the Lakers win a championship. Some critics will surely make their bubble fraud jokes, but there’s no doubt that a healthy Davis is one of the best players in the world.
Davis will be carrying that injury-prone tag with him, as the point is, he faces a lot of injuries. But he’s not going to let that bother him, and he’s echoed those feelings already. He’s just going to do his best to help the Lakers win another title in the future.
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