The Riverside Press-Enterprise
‘IT’S AN HONOR’
Lakers big man Davis making ninth All-star Game appearance, first since 2020-21
INDIANAPOLIS >> For the first time in four years, Lakers star big man Anthony Davis was back on the stage where a player of his caliber belongs: at All-star Weekend for today’s exhibition between the top players in the Western and Eastern Conferences.
When Davis was named a Western Conference All-star reserve on Feb. 1, it marked the ninth time he was given the honor in his career but the first time since the 202021 season after being an All-star for eight consecutive seasons (2013-21).
Today will mark the first time since 2020 that Davis played in the All-star Game after missing the 2021 All-star Game because
AT A GLANCE
Tipoff: today, 5 p.m.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis TV: TNT, TBS, trutv
of a right strained calf.
The All-star Game is returning to an East vs. West format for the first time since 2017, scrapping the format that saw the captains pick their respective teams with no regard to conference affiliation.
“It’s an honor,” Davis said during his Saturday media availability at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “It’s a privilege to be here. Not too many guys can say they’ve been an Allstar, especially for the nine times that I have. You never take it for granted. Even with the injuries last year, I feel like I could have made it still. Year before, probably not.
“Getting back to being recognized as one of the top players in the league, it’s just a credit to my team, my trainers and stuff like that to make sure that I’m healthy for the entire year and then just get back to the level that I’ve been playing at.”
Injuries and missed games — Davis in 60% or fewer games the previous two seasons — were significant reasons why Davis wasn’t named an All-star in 2022 and ‘23.
But durability hasn’t been an issue for Davis this year. He entered All-star Weekend having played in 52 of the Lakers’ 56 regular-season games and with averages of 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and
NBA