All eyes were on the Staples Center as the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. More importantly,it marked Anthony Davis's return to Hollywood following theblockbuster trade in February with Luka Doncic.
In the process, Daviswill take part in his first game at the Staples Center since February 27, 2019, as a visiting player, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Additionally, Daviswill be subject to minute restrictions imposed by Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. He will play 24 to 27 minutesin his first game sincebeing out with a left calf strain.
The Mavericks enter the game with a 5-14 record, while the Lakers are 13-4.
Currently, Davis is averaging 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game across 5 games. Last year, he had played in nine games with the Mavericks following the trade. Along the way, Davis averaged 20.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
From 2019 to 2025, Davis played for the Lakers. Before that, he had played for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2014 to 2019. With the Lakers, Davis averaged 24.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in 312 games played.
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The effect playing for the Mavericks has had on Anthony Davis.
Unfortunately, a poor record and battling injuries have put a damper on things for Davis and the organization. Altogether, Davis has missed a total of 14 games.
Not only that, but Dallas is still without Kyrie Irvingdue to recovery from his ACL injury. Plus, they are feeling the loss of Doncic and are still adjusting after thefiring of embattled GM Nico Harrison.
However, the Mavericks are looking to get the most out of their rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. Davis is on athree-year $175 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers before being traded. Plus, he has a $62 million player option. Ultimately, Davis's future with the organization is likely to be limited as theymay look to trade him.