Anthony Davis says shoulder injury was ‘just a little stinger’

After exiting against the Grizzlies with a shoulder injury, Anthony Davis downplayed it as nothing more than a stinger postgame.

While the Lakers are far from healthy, Sunday marked the first time LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves all were in the starting lineup since the day after Thanksgiving.

The fear was that newfound health would only last about three quarters when AD went down holding his shoulder in the second half. After trying to carry on, he lasted just one possession before asking for a sub and heading to the locker room.

Fortunately, he emerged from the tunnel early in the fourth quarter, returned to the game and dropped 40 points in a big victory over the Grizzlies.

After the game, AD further eased nerves by revealing that the injury was just a stinger.

Fortunately, the odd schedule in the NBA over the last two weeks will afford the Lakers another break in play before Thursday’s game against the Kings. For AD, this is a bit of a runway to get rid of any of the lingering effects of that injury.

The Lakers can’t really absorb any injuries this season, but specifically not one to AD. On top of him playing at an MVP level, he also plays the position the Lakers have the least amount of depth in. On Sunday alone, the lone centers active were AD and Christian Koloko, who has played well this season but is still a two-way player.

Overall, given the Lakers’ injury situation, this break in the schedule has allowed the team to get healthier without having to play a game or having to travel. Rest at home is probably exactly what the Lakers needed at this time.

Now, the focus can shift to the court where the team will need to do the opposite of what they did last season and go on a run to move back up the standings. Surely, the Lakers will finally have a run of good health...right?

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.