Anthony Davis left the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Golden State Warriors after the first quarter Saturday night with a left eye contusion, the team announced.
Davis was hurt after he was inadvertently hit in the face by Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis while scoring on a layup. He continued to play for the next few minutes but eventually left the game and did not return. Davis left the arena without speaking to reporters.
L.A. outscored Golden State by six in the 12 minutes Davis played, with the Lakers’ All-Star big man posting 8 points on 3-for-6 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.
While Davis had to exit early, he has been plenty durable this season. Saturday marked his 65th appearance in the 69 games L.A. has played, including the in-season championship win over the Indiana Pacers.
Backup big man Jaxson Hayes replaced Davis and finished with seven points and a season-high 12 rebounds in 28 minutes.
“We’re not accustomed to playing without [Davis],” Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell said. “He’s played almost every game this year, right? So that’s something that is unfamiliar for us. But it’s no excuse. Jaxson played his ass off.
Davis’ vision was impaired and his eye was swollen shut after the contact, a source familiar with the injury told ESPN. He will be monitored overnight and Sunday to determine his availability Monday against the Atlanta Hawks.
