EL SEGUNDO, Calif. >> Anthony Davis says he has recovered from being poked in the left eye by Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl, and his latest eye injury still hasn’t persuaded him to wear protective goggles.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ star big man said Tuesday that he will play Wednesday night against Memphis. Davis brushed off the potential impact of the injury, even though his left eye was noticeably discolored and red after practice at the Lakers’ training complex.
“I’ll go about my day and do what I need to do,” Davis said. “Next up is getting more sleep.”
Davis said he has “no idea” if his latest injury is another corneal abrasion. He had that injury last March after getting poked in a game against Golden State but didn’t miss any time.
“A couple of scratches in my eye,” Davis said. “As far as the medical term and all that, I’m not 100% sure, but I’m cleared to play.”
Each time Davis gets poked in the face by opponents, the nine-time All-Star is asked whether he will consider wearing goggles or protective glasses like similarly dominant big men Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Amare Stoudemire. Before the usual question was even completed Tuesday, Davis replied: “No.”
“I don’t want to, and the doctor said I didn’t have to,” Davis said. “Now if it gets to a point where doctor orders are to (wear goggles), then of course I will.”
Davis wore goggles for about three years as a blue-chip high school prospect.
Singler’s cryptic post
Former Duke star Kyle Singler’s cryptic Instagram post saying he fears for his life has drawn an outpouring of concern and support from former teammates and others.
Singler, 36, spoke slowly and was shirtless in the short video, which was posted Tuesday morning.
“I have been mistreated and abused, neglected, made into a mental example,” Singler said. “And I fear for my life every day. And people in my community make me look out as if I’m going to be someone that’s going to be a problem and make things difficult for people when I’m only trying to be helpful.
“I feel like I have a certain way about myself and strength and purpose that does not get valued or get treated properly.”
The video cut off abruptly after about 90 seconds. It was shared more than 1,200 times in the 12 hours after it was posted.
Several NBA players responded. Kevin Love wrote, “I love you Kyle. Hit me whenever. Please.” Isaiah Thomas said: “Here for you bro! Always and forever.”
Thompson returns
Klay Thompson exited the team bus then beamed as he strolled back into Chase Center on Tuesday night, greeted by some 400 cheering Warriors employees who lined up along his path to the Dallas locker room to show their love and appreciation for the former Golden State star.
They sported “Captain Klay” hats, the giveaway for all fans on a celebratory night remembering Thompson’s 13 years with the franchise, two of those spent injured, and four championships he helped win here.
“I guess it’s a good thing for the fans, so kudos to them,” Thompson said in looking ahead to the game.
“Be good to see people that you grinded with, obviously. To me, it’s just another regular-season game in November. Obviously, there’s bigger implications with the NBA Cup. So that’s what’s on our mind, and my mind, is to win that because I haven’t been a part of it yet. I know it’s young, but it’ll be fun to play for that title.”
Alvarado out
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has a left hamstring strain that is expected to sideline him at least three weeks, the team said.
The injury occurred during Monday night’s 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans’ fifth straight defeat and eighth in nine games.
An MRI performed Tuesday confirmed Alvarado’s diagnosis, adding to a long list of injuries depleting the Pelicans’ roster.