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Lakers' Anthony Davis to Play vs. Grizzlies, Won't Wear Goggles Amid Eye Injury

Doric SamNovember 12, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 116-106 Lakers win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on November 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Harry How/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis had a scare in Sunday's win over the Toronto Raptors when he left the game early with an eye injury, but it doesn't sound like it will affect him going forward.

Davis told reporters that his eye is "fine" and he will play in Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies without wearing protective goggles.

Dave McMenamin @mcten

Anthony Davis says he is cleared to play against Memphis and will not wear protective goggles <a href="https://t.co/dKS8U7tK3t">pic.twitter.com/dKS8U7tK3t</a>

Davis left Sunday's game in the third quarter after getting hit in the face and eyes when he blocked a dunk attempt by Toronto center Jakob Poeltl. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Davis "experienced swelling as a result of the contact, making it difficult to keep his left eye open," and he was scheduled to be examined by an ophthalmologist on Monday as a precaution.

Davis told reporters on Tuesday that he had "a couple scratches" on his eye, though he didn't know the official medical diagnosis. When asked why he doesn't plan on wearing goggles, he simply said, "I don't want to," and explained that the doctors told him he's not facing a risk for further injury.

Prior to exiting against the Raptors, Davis had 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, continuing his scorching-hot start to the 2024-25 season. The 31-year-old is averaging a career-high 31.2 points along with 10.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

The Lakers improved to 6-4 with Sunday's win over the Raptors, and Davis' return gives them a strong chance to earn a third straight win when they host the Grizzlies, who enter the matchup with a 7-4 record.