AD could return to action as early as the first week of April. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Davis could return to action as early as the first week of April, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports.

The Lakers star big man has been rehabbing for more than a month after suffering a right foot strain on February 16. His projected timetable at that time was four to six weeks.

Coach Frank Vogel said Davis is “coming along really well,” sideline reporter Mike Trudell reports.

The Lakers entered Thursday in ninth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of the Pelicans. The 11th-place Spurs are only two games behind the Lakers in the loss column.

In terms of the play-in round, Vogel said, “We’re hopeful those two games will be played with Anthony Davis,” per Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation.

The Lakers, who played without LeBron James in their loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, don’t play again until Sunday. Overall, they have nine regular-season games remaining and five from April 3-10.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Panthers hold off late Oilers rally in Game 3, gain 3-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final
Trevor Lawrence's monster contract extension shows trouble with QB market
Why the 'Big' 12 may soon be obsolete
Tiger Woods stumbles to 4-over 74 in first round of U.S. Open
Luka Doncic takes responsibility for fouling out in Game 3, believes Mavericks can overcome 3-0 hole
Utah NHL team unveils name and look for 2024-25 season
Tom Brady offers harsh assessment of current NFL quarterbacks
Conor McGregor out of UFC 303 main event due to injury
Watch: Three second-period goals give Panthers commanding lead in Game 3
Former NFL coach shares bold claim about Steelers' Russell Wilson, Justin Fields situation
Dolphins further reinforce defensive line by signing this veteran
Knicks adding Hall of Fame player to Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff
Watch: A new contender for baseball's worst ejection of the season emerges
Contract issue prompts Saints star to leave minicamp
Top trade suitors for Luis Robert Jr. revealed
Falcons legend Michael Vick defends odd Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins situation
Luka Doncic makes big admission about emotions after brutal events in Game 3
Former NASCAR champion expected to retire at end of 2024
Bears rookie Rome Odunze puts Rams WR Puka Nacua on notice
Former All-Pro LB contemplated retirement before Bucs deal