Klay Thompson Organized ‘Bonding Camp’ for Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis Wasn’t Able to Participate in On-Court Activities

Klay Thompson organized a “bonding camp” for the Dallas Mavericks in Newport Beach, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Anthony Davis, recovering from eye surgery to repair a detached retina, wasn’t able to participate in on-court activities.

Davis, 32, underwent eye surgery in July.

“Interestingly, though, I’ve heard about multiple teams whose players have conducted mini-camps out of town this month … gatherings that are more commonplace in August,” Stein wrote. “Among those teams is the Mavericks, who I’m told — at the urging of sharpshooter Klay Thompson — got together for a well-attended bonding camp in Newport Beach in early September.

“Word is Anthony Davis, though he was not able to participate in the on-court activities there as he continues to recover from July eye surgery to repair a detached retina, did host a dinner for his teammates while they were working out in Southern California.”

Davis only appeared in nine regular-season games with the Mavericks in 2024-25 due to an adductor injury. He averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.2 blocks while shooting 46.1% from the field, 23.3% from beyond the arc and 68.8% from the free-throw line.

One of the top two-way players in the NBA, Davis has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers and Mavericks. The Chicago native has career averages of 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks while making 10 All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.

The Mavericks missed the 2025 playoffs after making the 2024 NBA Finals. General manager Nico Harrison shockingly traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Davis and Max Christie in February.

Dallas won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery and selected Duke star Cooper Flagg. D’Angelo Russell, who played with Thompson on the Golden State Warriors and Davis on the Lakers, signed with the Mavericks in free agency. He will start at point guard until Kyrie Irving recovers from his ACL tear.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is expected to start Russell, Thompson, Flagg, Davis and Daniel Gafford to begin the 2025-26 season.