Report: Lakers' Davis may return as early as Jan. 28 vs. Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is making progress with his foot injury and there's optimism he could return to the lineup as soon as late next week, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Lakers begin a road trip with a game against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 28. After that, they head to New York for a back-to-back against the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks to close out the month.

Davis has missed the Lakers' last 17 games due to a stress injury in his right foot which he suffered in a Dec. 16 game against the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers are 8-9 in the star's absence and have lost three of their last four contests. Backup center Thomas Bryant has stepped into the starting lineup with Davis out.

Davis is averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 25 games this season.