The Los Angeles Lakers could be without star center Anthony Davis when they host the Golden State Warriors in Game 6.
Davis was suspected to have suffered a concussion after he was inadvertently struck in the head by Warriors' center Kevon Looney in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 121-106 Game 5 loss.
Davis was badly shaken by the incident, making his way to the bench in pain before heading to the locker room in a wheelchair. Davis would not return to the game.
Turner Sports' Chris Haynes reported that Davis was being evaluated at Chase Center, with the possibility of a concussion looming as a potential diagnosis.
If Davis did suffer a concussion he will be subject to the NBA's Concussion Policy.
The NBA Concussion Policy outlines the steps required for a player to return to participation. Within these steps is an exertion process of physical activity, which a player cannot begin until 24 hours after sustaining the concussion.
The worry for Davis and the Lakers is the fact that Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 10 p.m. ET, just 48 hours after Davis sustained his head knock.
The good news at this stage for Lakers fans is that Davis appears to have escaped Game 5 without a concussion.
However, if Davis is diagnosed with a concussion, he will be required to complete the NBA return-to-participation exertion process:
There is no timeframe to complete the above process, meaning Davis could be ruled ineligible for Game 6.
While he didn't see the initial contact, LeBron James was concerned for his teammate but was comforted by news from the Lakers' medical staff that Davis was doing better.
In more good news for Lakers fans; Davis walked out of Chase Center without assistance and looked much better than when he prematurely exited the game.
Davis will be reevaluated before Game 6.
Game 6 of Lakers vs. Warriors will be played on Friday, May 12. The game will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Lakers vs. Warriors will tip off around 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time). Tip-off of Lakers vs. Warriors will begin after the conclusion of Game 6 between the Knicks and Heat, which is set to tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night.
Game 6 of Lakers vs. Warriors will air on ESPN. Viewers in the United States can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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