Anthony Davis Rumored To Return Friday vs. LA Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks' season has been a disappointment from the get-go, despite having high expectations. While point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to be sidelined until early 2026, a lineup including Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford / Derrick Lively, Klay Thompson, and super rookie Cooper Flagg was seen as capable enough to keep the team competitive in the Western Conference. That has not been the case. 

Having been without Davis for the past fourteen games, the Mavericks' record is one of the worst in the entire NBA. Stumbling to a 3-11 record in his absence, and parting ways with former GM Nico Harrison while he was gone, Davis’s acquisition by the Mavericks for Luka Doncic has looked more and more one-sided as each game passes.

When approached by reporters earlier this week and asked if he’d prefer to return Friday against his former team, the LA Lakers, or wait until Saturday for the LA Clippers, Davis’s response was pretty obvious: “That’s a real question? You know what game I want to play.” After losing 112-97 to the Lakers in Dallas last spring, a game in which he posted just 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, Davis is looking to gain a little revenge, this time in Hollywood. 

Known for his inability to remain healthy, having played 75 games or more just three times during his 14-year career, and playing just 9 games last season and 5 games to date this year, the Mavericks have learned not to rush Davis back too soon. After Davis reaggravated an abdominal injury following an early return last season, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont stepped in this time to make sure that his All-Star forward didn’t have another setback. 

Following his first full practice on Wednesday since being sidelined, Davis appears to be back on track for a return against the team that helped him win a championship, taking on former teammates LeBron James and Austin Reaves in what will likely be an emotional game.