Lakers Anthony Davis Plays Through Torn Knee in Final Months of Season, Leaves Team with Tough Offseason Ahead

The Los Angeles Lakers' season came to an end in disappointment, as they were unable to defend their title after falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals. However, it was not just LeBron James who was injured during the playoffs. Anthony Davis, the team's other star player, also suffered a partially torn left knee and played through the pain in the final month of the regular season and playoffs. According to ESPN, Davis received painkilling injections in his knee during May and June to help him continue playing. Despite the physical issues, he still managed to average 26.2 points in 11 games from the start of May to the end of the regular season, and 27.7 points per game in the playoffs with a 51.3% field goal percentage. However, this was the lowest mark for a postseason in his career. After the game, Davis spoke to reporters about his physical issues and expressed his pride in the team's effort despite the tough end to the season. "I don't make excuses," he said. "Obviously, it's tough the way we went out like tonight, but the way we finished the year, personally, the way I finished the year, persevering through some physical stuff that I was battling through, I'm proud of our group." The Lakers faced long odds to defend their title after Davis went down with a torn left knee, and their frustrating series against the Bucks culminated in a four-game loss. The Bucks will now face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. As for the Lakers, they will enter the offseason with potentially both of their star players going under the knife. It is hard to see either player being anywhere close to 100% when next season begins. The team will need to find a way to overcome these injuries and come back stronger in the future if they are to compete for a championship again.