Is Anthony Davis playing tonight vs Detroit Pistons? Latest on LA Lakers star's status (Dec. 23)

On Monday night, Anthony Davis and the LA Lakers are slated to face off against the Detroit Pistons. As tip-off gets closer, there is a chance they could be without the services of their star big man.

Per the latest injury report, Davis is listed as questionable for this matchup due to a left shoulder contusion. The nine-time All-Star will likely go through warm-ups before a final decision is made regarding his status.

Availability has been an issue for Anthony Davis in recent years, but that has not been the case this season. As we pass the quarter mark, he's only been out of action one time. That was back on November 6th in a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Under new head coach JJ Redick, AD has been arguably the Lakers' top performer on both ends of the floor. This season, he is averaging 26.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 blocks.

As the driving force for what they do on both ends, being without Davis would be a tough blow for the Lakers. They're going to need all the firepower they can get their hands on as they attempt to even the season series with the Pistons. These teams last faced off at the beginning of November, with Cade Cunningham and company walking out with a victory.

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Anthony Davis opens up on wife's comments following missed late-game free throws

In their previous matchup, the LA Lakers found themselves in a tight matchup with the Sacramento Kings. Anthony Davis had an opportunity to put the opponent away for good but came up short. Thankfully, one of his teammates was able to bail him out.

Davis went to the free-throw line with 12 seconds left in the game and the Lakers only up two. He'd go on to miss both of his attempts, but Rui Hachimura was able to secure an offensive rebound to keep LA alive. In the end, the Lakers managed to hold on and win by a final score of 103-99.

After the game, Anthony Davis was asked about his late-game misses. He said that his wife called him to say he was bailed out by Hachimura's efforts on the glass.

"My wife even called me and said Rui saved you," Davis said. "So that made me feel like worse."

Along with the missed free-throws, this matchup was a night to forget for Davis. He impacted the game in some way by grabbing 15 rebounds, but was not the offensive force we've grown accustomed to seeing. AD ended the night with just 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting from the field.