PHOENIX SUNS
Lakers’ Anthony Davis available, Caldwell-Pope out for Game 4 vs. Suns
May 30, 2021, 10:55 AM | Updated: 11:29 am
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after scoring next to teammates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, Wesley Matthews (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, May 9, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Forward/center Anthony Davis (left knee sprain) will be available for the Lakers in the pivotal Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns, head coach Frank Vogel said pregame on Sunday.
Meanwhile, wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left knee bruise) was downgraded from questionable to out, the team said.
Davis played through Game 3 with a hyper-extension in his knee that he suffered defending a Devin Booker layup during the first half. The Lakers’ star big finished the game with 34 points on 11-for-22 shooting and 11 rebounds in 40 minutes of play.
He said after the game that he didn’t feel any problems with it while playing.
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“We got two days in between so I can get it looked at and checked out,” Davis said. “But landed awkwardly, tried not to fall on Book and I guess it hyperextended a little bit, but just keeping it warm, keeping it loose just wanted to keep going.”
Though he’s listed was questionable, Davis expected to play. He told reporters on Saturday that there’s “no chance” he doesn’t play Sunday.
AD: “There’s no chance that I don’t play tomorrow” https://t.co/RmMpGWdAnz
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 29, 2021
Caldwell-Pope suffered his injury during the third quarter of the game on Thursday.
An MRI revealed no structural damage, the Lakers announced Friday.
Caldwell-Pope averaged 9.7 points in the regular season but has scored only 12 total points in 92 minutes of play over three playoff games.
Wesley Matthews, who made two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of Game 3, would likely fill Caldwell-Pope’s role.
The Lakers won Games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4 will tip off at Staples Center at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Listen live on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
