Is Anthony Davis playing tonight against Denver Nuggets? Latest injury report from LA Lakers (24th October)

Anthony Davis and the LA Lakers have waited for months to take another crack at the Denver Nuggets. On Tuesday night, they will play against the team that swept them in the playoffs last season. Davis told reporters during media day that he and LeBron James “can’t” wait to go up against Nikola Jokic and crew. LA will be at Mile High City to witness the Nuggets’ ring night and hopefully try to ruin their opponents’ special day.

Davis is ready and raring to go on opening night. He last played for the Lakers a couple of days ago in the team’s final preseason game. AD saw action in 23 minutes and finished with 15 points, six blocks and two assists against the Phoenix Suns.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham has been thrilled with Davis’ form heading into the season. The big man has been accused of slacking in his training and has reportedly been out of shape in seasons past. To start the 2023-24 campaign, most have raved about his conditioning and readiness.

The Anthony Davis vs Nikola Jokic matchup will be a big factor in the game between the LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Jokic, the two-time MVP, has largely been a nightmare to contain. If there’s somebody who can make the “Joker” work on both ends of the work, Davis would have to be that guy.

In the Western Conference finals, AD averaged 26.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Against any other player, that would have been enough. It was just a little short versus the Serbian, who ultimately won the 2023 NBA Finals MVP award.

Anthony Davis had some rough nights guarding Nikola Jokic in the conference finals. He can’t afford an off night after a long offseason and against the defending champs. The two teams have a brewing rivalry. AD wouldn’t want to disappoint Laker Nation with a so-so display right off the bat.

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Anthony Davis is extra motivated to take on the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets, particularly coach Mike Malone and a few players had a blast trolling the LA Lakers during their championship parade. Malone was called the “Lakers’ daddy” when he was introduced to a crowd that was wildly celebrating the team’s success.

While most have moved past that episode, Anthony Davis has kept receipt of everything he had heard during the celebration. AD told reporters that he noticed “all the little talking that’s been going around all summer.” He said that he was not on social media but “heard it.”

The eight-time All-Star had this to say about facing the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday:

“It’s very motivational “I mean, obviously KCP [Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope] is my guy so you kind of congratulate him, like ‘you got this one.’ But it was just a lot of like, the talking, and ‘the Lakers dad.' There was just so much of that going on; it was like ‘All right, we get it, y’all won.' But me and Bron had some conversations like, ‘We can’t wait.’”

A motivated Anthony Davis will be someone to watch out for. Basketball fans can’t wait for Tuesday’s tip-off.