Lakers Star Anthony Davis Has Thumb Injury, Will Undergo Tests Sunday

The Warriors might not see much of Anthony Davis the rest of the preseason.

Golden State plays the Los Angeles Lakers three times next week to close out its exhibition slate, but the star big man could miss time after spraining his right thumb Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets in a preseason game in Shenzhen, China.

Davis, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, injured himself swatting at the basketball around the midway point of the first quarter. Although the 26-year-old initially played through it, he emerged from the Lakers locker room between the first and second quarter with an ice pack taped to his hand. He was later seen on LA's bench with a wrap around the thumb.

Davis will undergo diagnostic tests when the Lakers return to the United States because there was no x-ray machine at the arena, according to the Los Angeles Times' Tania Ganguli.

The Warriors and Lakers will play at Staples Center on Monday and Wednesday night, then both teams will wrap up the preseason Friday at Chase Center. Given Davis' extensive injury history, it's likely LA will be cautious with the big man -- even if his tests bring good news.

Davis, whom the Lakers agreed to acquire in a blockbuster trade just two days after the Toronto Raptors beat the injury-riddled Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, has missed at least seven games in all seven seasons of his career. LA traded for Davis at least in part because injuries to Warriors star Klay Thompson (torn ACL) and the departing Kevin Durant (ruptured Achilles) seemingly opened a window of contention in the Western Conference.

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But Davis missing time would cut into the Lakers' margin for error, considering they gave up three players who averaged at least 25 minutes per game last season. The Warriors, who have won the Pacific Division in each of the last five seasons, would have a better chance of keeping pace with the odds-on title favorites if the Lakers are also down a star.

After four preseason matchups, the Warriors and Lakers won't meet in the regular season until Nov. 13 at Staples Center. Whether Davis will suit up remains to be seen.

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