Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis made his highly anticipated return from a 14-game injury hiatus on Friday night, going up against the Los Angeles Lakers in a game held at the Staples Center. This match marked Davis’s first appearance in Los Angeles since his notable trade from the Lakers to the Mavericks, as part of a blockbuster deal involving Luka Doncic ten months ago. Davis was a crucial player during his time with the Lakers, contributing to their 17th championship win alongside LeBron James in October 2020, and continues to be fondly remembered by Lakers enthusiasts.
The 32-year-old athlete had been sidelined since October 29 due to a left calf strain, with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd indicating that Davis would likely be on the court for 24 to 27 minutes. “You’re talking about one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said, acknowledging the importance of Davis’s return. “The chemistry when you get him back on the floor, it’s going to take a little time. For tonight, I just want a positive experience, positive minutes.”
Before his injury, Davis averaged 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds over five games. However, since his absence, the Mavericks have struggled significantly, dropping to 14th place in the Western Conference with a dismal 3-11 record. The challenges the franchise faces are compounded by the tumultuous aftermath of the trade, which has continued to cast a shadow over the team despite recently winning the NBA draft lottery and selecting promising prospect Cooper Flagg. Notably, general manager Nico Harrison, the architect of the trade, was let go just days ago.
In reflecting on the team’s ongoing evolution, Kidd emphasized the need to adapt and continue pushing forward, regardless of trades or management changes. “No matter of a trade or a dismissal, you’ve got to keep moving,” he stated. He expressed optimism about integrating Davis back into the lineup and highlighted the potential for improved performance moving forward.
Davis had previously played against the Lakers in April when Doncic led the Mavericks to victory with a 45-point performance. In contrast, Davis had missed the Mavericks’ earlier visit to Los Angeles last February, where Doncic recorded a triple-double in a win over Dallas.
Amid the Mavericks’ struggles, the Lakers have excelled, winning five consecutive games leading into this matchup. Coach JJ Redick of the Lakers has praised Davis for embracing the strategies implemented by a rookie head coach last season, which resulted in the Lakers securing 50 wins and a Pacific Division title.
Davis’s return to the court not only offers hope for the Mavericks but also demonstrates the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of an NBA season. As he re-establishes his rhythm, both fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how he helps drive the Mavericks back into contention.