Los Angeles, California - The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealt a major blow with eight-time All-Star Anthony Davis ruled out for at least four weeks with a knee sprain.

Davis sustained the injury in Friday's 110-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and underwent scans and evaluation on Saturday.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel had hoped the forward's injury was only minor, but the franchise confirmed on Saturday he has suffered an MCL sprain and will miss four weeks minimum.

Davis had played 27 of the Lakers' 30 games this season, averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and two blocked shots per game.

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The loss of Davis is a setback for the Lakers who are 14-16 and already without Avery Bradley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, and Austin Reaves due to the NBA's health and safety protocols.

Amid this wretched run of bad luck, there may be at least one positive note. According to Lakers Nation, returning small forward Trevor Ariza is almost ready to play again, having had surgery on his ankle during the summer.

He was present as an emergency option in Minnesota and looks poised to take over from Davis, at least for the time being. The Lakers take on the Eastern Conference's second best team tonight, the Chicago Bulls.