Anthony Davis injury update: Will Lakers star play in Game 6 vs. Suns?

Will Lakers star Anthony Davis be available for Game 6 against the Suns? That’s the big question for Los Angeles, which heads into Thursday night’s contest needing a win to avoid elimination.

Davis was ruled out of Game 5 because of a left groin strain that he suffered earlier in the first-round series. The Suns dominated the Davis-less Lakers, cruising to a 115-85 win and capturing a 3-2 lead. Davis may not have been able to change that outcome, but his absence was certainly felt.

MORE: Shaq rips Lakers for pitiful Game 5 showing vs. Suns

Here are the latest updates on Davis ahead of Game 6.

Will Anthony Davis play vs. Suns?

UPDATE: It’s official. Davis will play in Game 6.

ORIGINAL: During his pregame media availability, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said Davis was still a game-time decision, as he had not yet been cleared by the team’s medical staff. Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes later reported about an hour before tipoff that Davis had been cleared to play.

In addition to Davis’ return as the starting power forward, the Lakers have reportedly made a change at center. Los Angeles will be pairing Davis with Marc Gasol in the frontcourt, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jovan Buha.

Davis is averaging 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks through four playoff games. Gasol, who has not been part of the Lakers’ starting lineup since an April 15 game against the Celtics, has logged just 17.5 minutes per game in the series.

Lakers vs. Suns Game 6 injury report

(Current as of 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday)

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