After suffering more setbacks due to injuries, Anthony Davis recollected the poignant moment he shared with his daughter at home.
Public criticism is nothing new to Anthony Davis. Due to his ongoing injury problems, the Los Angeles Lakers center has drawn criticism throughout his career.\
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Following yet another season marred by injuries in 2021–2022, AD fired up this one. While leading a Lakers team that saw LeBron James come and go early in the game, he was putting up MVP-caliber numbers. Then, in a game against the Denver Nuggets in mid-December, he suffered yet another injury setback.
Recalling the momentous situation in his house upon learning he would miss several months of the season once more, Davis talked about it. The Lakers player told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that his 6-year-old daughter Nala was worried when he pouted in a closet at home:
“Mommy, what’s wrong with Daddy?” she whispers to my wife. Davis remembered.
She wants to come give me a hug, but she’s afraid. My wife then said, “It’s OK.”
I think to myself, ‘Don’t come touching me,’ as soon as I see her. But she approaches, gives me a short hug, turns to go, gets back in her chair, and says, “Mommy, I’ll be right back.” I had a thought.
As Nala ran off, Davis’s stern expression began to melt away and he reverted to his fatherly persona. But he stayed on the floor, his palm over his face, waiting to see what would happen when Nala came back.
The Lakers forward grinned at the absurdity of the situation, saying, “At this point I’m trying to act.”
After a few minutes, Nala came back and put a piece of paper on the pile of garments beside him.
Even though the Lakers’ situation is not perfect right now due to LeBron James’ injury and their vulnerable position in the postseason race, it is still far better than Anthony Davis’ low point.
After successfully reducing the original 8–10 week schedule in half, his supporting cast has grown. Given that he has no control over his injuries, AD is among the worst players to be held to an unjust standard. Fortunately, whether or not he has injuries, he has a solid support network and a daughter who has his back.