Lakers’ Anthony Davis exits Game 6 because of groin injury

Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope started for the Lakers on Thursday night against the Suns in a must-win Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center, but Davis aggravated his left groin injury and exited the game in the first quarter.

Davis (strained groin) and Caldwell-Pope (bruised knee) had been questionable to play because of injuries but were cleared by the medical staff to play.

Davis stayed behind the action after the Lakers took a rebound the other way. He noticeably limped to the bench, where he sat down as medical staff began to tend to him.

Immediately after Davis left the game, the Suns stretched a nine-point lead to 27-10 late in the first quarter. Davis had one assist and one rebound in his limited action.

The Lakers announced that Davis was questionable to return.

The Lakers trail the best-of-seven series three games to two entering Game 6 tonight. A Lakers win would force Game 7 on Saturday in Phoenix.

Marc Gasol got the start at center for the Lakers instead of Andre Drummond. LeBron James and point guard Dennis Schroder also started.

Veteran point guard Chris Paul, who has been playing with an injured shoulder, joined the Suns’ usual starting lineup of Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder at forward, Deandre Ayton at center and Devin Booker at guard.

Lakers-Suns schedule for first-round playoff series.

(Tim Hubbard / Los Angeles Times)