The Los Angeles Lakers enter Friday on a five-game winning streak and hold a 13-4 record. Their recent surge has pushed them into a secure position in the Emirates NBA Cup. They have already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. A win over the Dallas Mavericks would strengthen their seeding in the next round.
Dallas, on the other hand, has had a tough start. The team sits at 5-14 and ranks near the bottom of the Western Conference. But they will get a major boost on Friday with the return of former Lakers star Anthony Davis.
Davis Makes His Long-Awaited Return
Davis will play for the first time since suffering a calf strain. He missed the last 14 games for Dallas. ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported the news, writing: “Dallas Mavericks star power forward/center Anthony Davis, who has been sidelined for the past month with a calf strain, plans to return to action against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday night, sources told ESPN.”
Friday will also mark his first game in Los Angeles since the February trade that sent him to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. As ESPN noted, “It will be the first time the 2020 NBA champion is facing his former team in L.A. since the February trade that sent Davis to the Mavs as part of the package in exchange for superstar guard Luka Doncic.”
A Look at Davis’ Season So Far
In Dallas, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game. Those numbers fall below his usual production. His season was disrupted early when he injured his left adductor shortly after the trade. That setback forced him to miss 18 straight games.
Davis played five and a half seasons in Los Angeles. His arrival in 2019 immediately transformed the franchise. The Lakers went from missing the playoffs to winning the NBA championship in his first year.
Trade Noise Surrounding Dallas
His name has appeared in trade rumors again. At least one report suggests the Mavericks may be open to moving him in the near future. For now, Dallas focuses on getting him back on the floor as they attempt to steady their season.
The Lakers and Mavericks tip off Friday in a game with major stakes for one side and major emotion for the other.
