Lakers' Davis returns vs. Celtics after 5-game absence

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis returned to the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Boston Celtics.

The 26-year-old Davis has been sidelined since he suffered a back injury while landing awkwardly in a game on Jan. 7.

The Lakers compiled a 4-1 record with Davis out of the lineup, pushing the team's overall record to a Western Conference-leading 34-8 (.810). That five-game span included wins over the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder - the West's fifth, sixth, and seventh seeds, respectively.

Davis has impressed in his first season with the Lakers. Across 35 appearances, the six-time All-Star has averaged 27.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals while forming a formidable star duo with LeBron James.