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Mavericks vs Lakers: Anthony Davis weighed a significant decision as he prepared to return from a month-long layoff.
The Mavericks’ forward had been cleared to play in only one game during Dallas’ back-to-back stretch, forcing him to choose between two very different opponents.
He could take the floor Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, whose high-powered offense has been one of the NBA’s most challenging.
Or he could wait until Saturday to face the LA Clippers, a veteran team that has struggled to find consistency this season. Davis opted for the tougher test.
The former Lakers star had already missed Dallas’ previous trip to Los Angeles in February. This time, he made it clear he would not sit out another matchup with his old team.
Anthony Davis did not hide his intentions earlier in the week, telling reporters, “You know what game I want to play.”
The veteran forward returned to action Wednesday after missing 14 consecutive games with a left calf strain. In his first game back, he recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Dallas briefly edged ahead by one point in the fourth quarter, but the momentum didn’t hold. The Mavericks ultimately fell 129-119 to the Lakers, who were led by strong outings from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Dončić and Reaves combined for 73 points on just 33 attempts, helping Los Angeles secure its third straight win over Dallas since the teams completed a major February trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers and Davis to the Mavericks.
Anthony Davis spoke candidly about his recovery, saying, “Any time you miss time, you have to let your body heal. I felt ready.”
According to Davis, that readiness came long before his official return.
He had hoped to play as early as Nov. 8 against the Washington Wizards, pushing the team to clear him for action.
The Mavericks declined, concerned that bringing him back too soon could risk another setback.
Just three days after that game, the organization parted ways with general manager Nico Harrison, the primary advocate behind the blockbuster trade that brought Davis to Dallas.
When the Mavericks and Lakers faced off in February, the scene inside Crypto.com Arena was filled with energy.
General manager Nico Harrison stood at midcourt in a vivid blue suit as Luka Dončić completed his warmup, creating one of the night’s most memorable images.
Without Harrison in the organization, Friday’s rematch lacked that same edge. The atmosphere felt noticeably quieter, and the intensity that marked the earlier meeting was absent.
The Mavericks put together a solid performance but were unable to match the Lakers’ scoring surge. Luka Dončić finished with 35 points on 10-of-18 shooting and hit all 11 of his free throws.
Austin Reaves proved even more efficient, producing 38 points on only 15 attempts.
When the game ended, Anthony Davis made his way to Reaves to initiate a jersey swap. Reaves said the moment meant a great deal to him, considering Davis’ status in the league.
“He’s one of the best players to touch a basketball,” Reaves said. “I don’t know why he wanted my jersey. But for me to get his is pretty fun.”
Anthony Davis had already won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 by the time Austin Reaves arrived as an undrafted rookie in 2021.
Over the next three and a half seasons, Davis watched Reaves evolve from a clever role player off the bench into a reliable starter who now averages more than 20 points per game.
“He always had it,” Davis said. “When LeBron was out, it gave him the opportunity to step into that second option.
When Luka was off the floor, he could really take control and show what he can do. Even with LeBron back, he still has the ball in his hands.”
“They’re showing a lot of confidence in him. I’ve always appreciated his game and what he brings to the court,” Davis said. “Now he’s doing it consistently night after night.”
Davis had been slated to play 24 to 27 minutes in his return but ended up logging 28 minutes, slightly exceeding the limit.
He will sit out Saturday’s game against the Clippers by his own choice.
Since the Mavericks only cleared him for one game of the back-to-back, Davis specifically wanted that game to be against the Lakers.
“We’re competing,” Anthony Davis said. “We’re playing for each other and playing together. Remember when Brooklyn started 8-18 and still made the playoffs?”
Davis was pointing to the 2018-19 Nets, who overcame a rough start to secure the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. For Dallas, a similar turnaround this season seems unlikely.
The Mavericks’ guard rotation is thin, forcing undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard into a starting role on Friday.
D’Angelo Russell, a key player on that 2018-19 Nets team, remained on the bench. He was listed as a D.N.P.—coach’s decision.
“I thought the effort was there on the road against a very talented team,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We gave ourselves a chance tonight.”
Dallas briefly pulled ahead with 7:52 left in the fourth quarter after a dunk by Anthony Davis.
The Lakers quickly answered, led by Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, who combined for 15 points in the final period to seal the win.
“We’re getting good looks and making the right plays,” Davis said. “A few mistakes here and there cost us, but we just have to keep competing, stay positive, and keep fighting. I feel like we’re right there.”
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