SHENZHEN, China — Anthony Davis sprained his right thumb in the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday and will not return, according to the team.
Davis suffered the injury swatting at the ball midway through the first quarter. He started at center as the Lakers employed a small-ball lineup while surrounding him with LeBron James, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and Danny Green.
Davis initially stayed in the game, getting the thumb taped during a break in action, but then retreated to the locker room between the first and second quarters and an ice pack was taped to his right hand.
He finished with six points on 2-for-7 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal in 12 minutes. Both of his baskets came off assists by James.
In two preseason games, Davis was averaging 19 points on 50 percent shooting, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a block in 22 minutes per game.
The Lakers will fly back to the United States after Saturday’s game. Their next preseason game is Monday against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center.