Portland Trail Blazers (1-0, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (0-2, sixth in the Western Conference) - October 24, Monday Philippine time. 

The Los Angeles Lakers fans held their breath for a moment when Anthony Davis fell to the ground and appeared to have hurt his back early in the third quarter of Thursday’s 103-97 loss to the L.A. Clippers.

Davis came from the weak side to help Patrick Beverley on defense after Kawhi Leonard broke loose from the Lakers guard with a spin at the short corner. Leonard then sent the 29-year-old forward up in the air with a pump fake before attempting a layup. As he started to descend, Davis bumped into the Clippers star’s back, losing control of his body and landing hard on his back.

The eight-time All-Star had struggled with a back issue in the preseason and the fall seems to have re-aggravated the injury. The forward stayed in the game for a couple of minutes, then left to stretch near the tunnel and returned to the court — but he would walk gingerly until the end of the clash.

The Lakers have lost their first two games against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Angeles finished 18-34 in Western Conference play and 21-20 at home during the 2021-22 season. The Lakers averaged 24.0 assists per game on 41.6 made field goals last season.

Portland went 27-55 overall and 11-41 in Western Conference play during the 2021-22 season. The Trail Blazers averaged 106.2 points per game while allowing opponents to score 115.1 last season.

INJURIES: Lakers: Thomas Bryant: out (thumb), Troy Brown Jr.: day to day (back), Dennis Schroder: out (thumb).

Trail Blazers: Trendon Watford: out (hip), Gary Payton II: out (core), Olivier Sarr: out (wrist).