Anthony Davis has started the 2025-26 NBA season in less-than-ideal circumstances. After just five appearances for the Dallas Mavericks, a left calf strain has ruled AD out of 14 games. But Davis’ return is set to come in one of the most entertaining games, against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since the Luka Doncic trade, which included Anthony Davis, things have gone downhill for the Mavs. While Luka looks like an MVP, Dallas has struggled mightily. Nico Harrison lost his job; that’s how bad things have been. But a win against the Lakers could change that momentum, and reports say that’s when he will be back.
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Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says Anthony Davis is in contention to make his return Friday against the Lakers in Los Angeles if he responds well to today’s practice.
Kidd says Davis will be listed as questionable for Friday after missing the past 14 games with a left calf strain. https://t.co/yIPbWa6E1c
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 26, 2025
“Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says Anthony Davis is in contention to make his return Friday against the Lakers in Los Angeles if he responds well to today’s practice,” Marc Stein reported. “Kidd says Davis will be listed as questionable for Friday after missing the past 14 games with a left calf strain.”
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson and forward Anthony Davis look on against the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
AD’s return to the court could bring much-needed life back to the offense. While his minutes this season haven’t been particularly good, his 20 points a game are still valuable. The Mavericks might end up trading him, too, so a big game against the Lakers might be a decent, memorable moment for AD if that happens as well.
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