Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ vaunted star forward, is fresh out of surgery. The surgery was routine to fix a ripped retina he received while playing last winter. This procedure is a core element of his recovery. He has every intention of getting back to where he was prior to his injury before the start of training camp in September. Davis missed a chunk of last season because of this injury and future durability issues were a real concern. Consistently throughout his recovery, experts have voiced their excitement about how he’s doing in rehab.
At the same time, no rookie faced a greater learning curve last season than 21-year-old Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively. Lively recently returned from more than two months of missed play this season because of a stress fracture in his right ankle. He hopes to start rehabilitation this summer. The priority will be more on strengthening and recovery, making sure he’s in a good place for the start of next season.
As for the Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, the former Cavs guards faced injury concerns down the stretch last year when he suffered a torn ACL. Irving is lucky to have avoided a potentially career-ending injury, but this one will likely keep him out for all of the next calendar year. Like Davis and Lively, he’s spending this summer on rehab projects. His objective is to get back to where he was at peak performance.
Given free agency and the Mavericks roster construction, the change is coming. Their future is brightest with Cooper Flagg, the magic-making 6’9” projected number one overall pick in next year’s draft. Flagg will be linking up with a menacing frontcourt featuring Lively, Jaden Davis, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. This mix of talent could prove to be just the right formula for the Mavericks as they get set to start another NBA season.
Davis’s return is essential for the Lakers’ success. Their success has been tied so much to his performance. His surgery and recovery are sure to be followed by fans and analysts at every turn. The Lakers are banking on a healthy, well-rounded Davis that will fit seamlessly into their roster and help carry them to deep playoff runs season after season.
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