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Mavericks Announce Anthony Davis Decision for Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 8:52 PM ET

Anthony Davis is finally making his long-anticipated return from injury for the Dallas Mavericks as he suits up for Friday’s matchup against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The 10-time All-Star has missed the last 14 games for the Mavs due to a calf strain, but he has now successfully worked his way back in time for the post-Thanksgiving showdown against LeBron James and Co.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd spoke to reporters right before tipoff, and he provided an important update on Davis’ status for the game. Unsurprisingly, Dallas is going to take a cautious approach to their star big man after his extended spell on the sidelines.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) during an NBA game. Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Davis has been limited to just five games this season. During that stretch, he produced averages of 20.8 points on 52.0% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in 29.8 minutes per contest.

However, a calf injury got in the way of the 6-foot-10 forward-center’s hot start to the season. The last time Davis saw action was on Oct. 29 in a 107-105 win over the Indiana Pacers. Davis wasn’t able to do much to help his team in that one, though, with the former Kentucky Wildcats star being forced to exit the game after just seven minutes of action.

Davis will finally return on Friday night. According to Kidd, however, the Mavs will keep a close eye on the five-time All-NBA big man’s playing time in his first game back.

“Anthony Davis is expected to play 24-27 minutes in his return tonight after missing the last month, per Jason Kidd,” reported ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on X.

Despite the extensive ramp-up Davis went through in preparation for his highly anticipated return, the Mavs will still act prudently with the oft-injured star. Davis will likely battle rust after sitting out for nearly one full month, but the fact that he’s playing against his former team will serve as extra motivation for him.

The Mavs enter Friday’s NBA Cup contest with a 5-14 record. The Lakers, on the other hand, have been one of the best teams in the league and are at 13-4.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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