Anthony Davis Eyes Return as Mavericks Face Lakers

Los Angeles, CA – Anthony Davis is poised to make his long-awaited return to action with the Dallas Mavericks as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. After missing 14 games due to a calf strain suffered on October 29, Davis participated fully in practice on Wednesday, leading head coach Jason Kidd to elevate his status to questionable for the game.

Davis expressed excitement about the prospect of playing against his former team. “That’s a real question? You know what game I want to play, but we’ll see,” he said, referencing discussions with the medical and coaching staff about his availability.

The Mavericks, who hold a 5-14 record and have struggled without Davis, urgently need his contributions. Before his injury, the All-Star big man averaged 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds, aiding a team that ranks high in defense but struggles on offense.

<p"Rebounding, scoring, and his leadership are three big areas that we need, especially with many games being close," Kidd stated on Wednesday. The Mavericks hope that Davis can provide a significant boost in both performance and morale.

While Davis focuses on his immediate return, he is also aware of the ongoing speculation surrounding his future with the team. The departure of general manager Nico Harrison, who facilitated Davis’s trade to Dallas, adds to the uncertainty. “It was surprising more than anything,” Davis said about Harrison’s firing. “It’s the business of basketball. I’ve been in trade talks for a while. My job is to play basketball and lead this team.”

The Mavericks’ management is weighing their options before the February 5 trade deadline, making Davis’s performance upon his return critical. Kidd emphasized that the team is eager for Davis to get back on the floor and influence their performance, especially as they look to climb out of the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

“It’s always frustrating when you’re sitting out,” Davis shared on his recovery journey. The team hopes he can shake off the rust and elevate his play as they face the Lakers—a highly anticipated matchup that could define the early season for both Davis and the Mavericks.