Anthony Davis’ expected return to the Dallas Mavericks is one of the only remaining hopes the franchise has of salvaging this season. After Nico Harrison stunned the NBA world by trading away Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis, injuries to key players on the Mavericks prevented fans from determining whether Harrison had made the right decision.
While Davis began the season healthy for the Mavericks, he ended up sustaining a calf injury on October 26 in a matchup against the Indiana Pacers. He exited the game and has been sidelined for almost a month. In that time span, the Mavericks have struggled greatly and look to be one of the worst teams in the entire league.
Fans Hope That Anthony Davis Will Return for the Mavericks’ Matchup Against the Lakers
Although Davis cannot be held responsible for the trade that brought him to the Mavericks, his frequent injuries and other medical issues are problems he should have addressed many years ago.
After all, critics will not be able to contain themselves and spare Davis for missing almost a whole month early in the season due to a non-contact calf strain. This raises the question of how long a recovery period Davis would require if he were to tear his ACL or sustain a serious injury.
Thankfully, the Mavericks’ star forward appears to be almost fully healed. According to recent reports, there is a good chance that Davis will suit up against his former team.
“The Mavericks’ Anthony Davis is scheduled to practice Wednesday in a bid to be cleared for his first game action since Oct. 29. Dallas plays the Lakers on Friday night in Los Angeles followed by the Clippers on Saturday.”
The Mavericks’ Anthony Davis is scheduled to practice Wednesday in a bid to be cleared for his first game action since Oct. 29.
Dallas plays the Lakers on Friday night in Los Angeles followed by the Clippers on Saturday.
“He’s working to get back,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. pic.twitter.com/jOiIsHWCi9
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 25, 2025
A quarter of the way into the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Mavericks have a subpar record of 5-14. Their game against the Lakers is part of the NBA Cup and will carry more weight than a regular-season game.
Even if Davis is unable to lead his team to victory against the Lakers, which is the expected outcome, his absence will be greatly noticed and criticized. That should prompt the Mavericks star to suit up and step on the floor in an attempt to help his team win this game.
In any case, the Mavericks are still missing stars such as Kyrie Irving, whose return this season following an ACL tear is unknown. Hopefully, Davis’ return will help generate some momentum for the Mavericks.
