Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis will make his return from injury on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, as first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. It goes without saying, but Friday night's contest is going to receive no shortage of attention given the fact that Davis was traded for Luka Doncic last season.
While Doncic has found no shortage of success in LA with the Lakers, AD has appeared in just 14 games since the trade. The Mavs also received a first round pick and Max Christie — and Christie has played well. Nevertheless, Davis' lack of playing time has been a concern, adding even more frustration for a Mavs' fanbase that desperately misses the former franchise star.
Davis, 32, has been limited to five games played this season due to a left calf strain. He previously said that he is hoping to be available for Friday's game against his former team.
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Anthony Davis' injury status vs. Lakers
The Mavs will have AD on the floor as they look to upset the Lakers in Los Angeles. At 13-4, the Lakers are second in the Western Conference standings, while the Mavs sit in 14th place with a 5-14 record. The teams have clearly gone in different directions since the trade, but Davis would surely love to defeat his former team on Friday night.
When it comes to the question of if Anthony Davis is playing tonight vs. the Lakers, the answer is yes.
Mavericks' injury report
The Mavs have five players listed on the injury report.
- Cooper Flagg (right thumb splint): Available
- Anthony Davis (left calf strain): Available
- Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery): Out
- Dereck Lively II (right foot injury management): Out
- Dante Exum (right knee injury management): Out
Lakers' injury report
The Lakers have two players listed on the injury report.
- Deandre Ayton (right knee contusion): Probable
- Marcus Smart (back spasms): Questionable
