Will Lakers coach Frank Vogel have his full starting lineup available for Game 4 against the Suns? That’s the big question for Los Angeles, which heads into Sunday’s contest with a 2-1 series lead.
Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have each played important roles against a tough Phoenix team, but they are both currently dealing with knee injuries that could limit them or knock them out of Game 4 completely. While LeBron James has carried his teams to victory in the past, he would certainly prefer to see AD and KCP on the court for tipoff.
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Here are the latest updates on Davis and Caldwell-Pope ahead of Game 4.
Will Anthony Davis play vs. Suns?
UPDATE: Davis is available and will start in Game 4.
ORIGINAL: Davis came up limping in the second quarter of Game 3 after swatting away Devin Booker’s shot and landing awkwardly underneath the basket. He did manage to fight through the pain, scoring 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 109-95 win.
The Lakers have listed Davis as questionable with a left knee sprain, but the All-Star forward told reporters Saturday that there is “no chance” he won’t play in Game 4. He is averaging 27.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks through three playoff games.
Will Kentavious Caldwell-Pope play vs. Suns?
UPDATE: Caldwell-Pope has been downgraded to out for Game 4. Wesley Matthews will take his spot in the starting lineup.
ORIGINAL: Caldwell-Pope suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Game 3 after colliding with Booker on the perimeter. He went back to the locker room in clear discomfort, and he was not able to return.
Los Angeles has also listed Caldwell-Pope as questionable, but the team is calling his injury a left knee contusion. An MRI confirmed there was no structural damage.
“A little sore, but I’m doing well,” Caldwell-Pope said when asked about the injury after Game 3. “I got two days [for] rest and recovery. I hope I’m ready to go Sunday.”
The 28-year-old is averaging only four points per game in the series, but his biggest contribution has come on the other end as the primary defender on Booker.
Suns vs. Lakers Game 4 injury report
(Current as of 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday)
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
| Lakers | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Questionable | Left knee; contusion |
| Lakers | Anthony Davis | Questionable | Left knee; sprain |
| Suns | Abdel Nader | Out | Right knee; arthroscopy |
| Suns | Chris Paul | Questionable | Right shoulder; contusion |