With the Dallas Mavericks only hours away from their NBA Cup matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis’ presence and availability for his team continue to be a subject of debate and discussion.
After stunning the basketball world with a trade that brought Davis over from the Lakers, the Mavericks have struggled greatly. Moreover, Davis played in just five games this season, leading many to wonder what version of him will be on the court against his former team.
Lakers Will Be Favored To Win Regardless of Anthony Davis’ Availability for the Mavericks
Davis has already established a reputation for himself as an injury-prone player over the past few seasons of his career. Although the Mavericks organization had hoped that he would be healthy and available when they added him to the team, the fact remains that Davis has played in just 14 total games as a member of the Mavericks, including five this season.
Perhaps the Mavericks wouldn’t hold a subpar record of 5-14 heading into their game against the Lakers if Davis had never gotten hurt. Fans will remember that the Mavericks star strained his calf in a game against the Indiana Pacers over a month ago and has not returned since then.
According to senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Davis is expected to make his return to action against his former team, news that has offered the Mavericks’ fan base a temporary sense of hope.
Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis – sidelined for the last month with a calf strain – plans to return to action against the Lakers in Los Angeles tonight, sources tell ESPN. It’s the first time the 2020 NBA champion is facing his former team in L.A. since the February trade. pic.twitter.com/D5Dg6uPz3Y
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2025
“Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, sidelined for the last month with a calf strain, plans to return to action against the Lakers in Los Angeles tonight, sources tell ESPN. It’s the first time the 2020 NBA champion is facing his former team in L.A. since the February trade.”
Davis’ expected return might just be enough to give the Mavericks a fighting chance against the 13-4 Lakers. After all, he averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists for his team this season, albeit in just five games.
Given that the majority of the Lakers’ stars, such as Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, look healthy, Davis’ return will not be viewed as enough to tip the scales in the Mavericks’ favor.
Some fans remain optimistic and hope that Davis will be able to record an impressive 40-point game, catching the Lakers off guard and leading the Mavericks to a much-needed win. However, it may be too much to expect Davis at full strength after missing several weeks of action.
As a result, the Lakers will be expected to win this game and spoil Davis’ return to the Mavericks’ lineup. This matchup between the two teams will reveal more about how they compare to the best in the Western Conference.