Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki is still weeks away from returning to the lineup. The Mavs forward underwent ankle surgery in April, and his recovery is going slower than expected.

The Mavs take on the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night at Staples Center. Dallas is 2-5 on the season.

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This year is Dirk Nowitzki’s 21st season with the Mavs, setting an NBA record for the years a player has been with a single team. The future Hall of Famer signed a one-year, $5 million deal in July. Once again, Dirk took a discount like has so many times before so the Mavs could improve its roster. Dallas signed high-flyer DeAndre Jordan in free agency.

In 77 regular-season games last season, Dirk Nowitzki averaged 12.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 40.9 percent from 3-point range and 89.8 percent from the free-throw line. The 7-footer scrimmaged for the first time since his surgery back on Sept. 5 with some of his teammates, but he still hasn't been cleared by team doctors to play in a game and has been dealing with setbacks.

The fans in Dallas are itching to see Nowitzki play. Even though rookie phenom Luka Doncic has gotten off to a stellar start to his career, Mavs Nation's heart is still and always will be with Dirk.

When he is cleared to play by doctors, Dirk Nowitzki will come off the bench for Dallas.