Mavericks Get Major Injury Update Ahead of Lakers Clash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 6:45 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off on Thursday, with the game being the first time Luka Doncic has returned to Dallas since getting sent to L.A. in a blockbuster trade. The Mavericks have struggled since dealing Doncic, but they could get a major injury boost from Dante Exum for this game.

Dallas has gotten destroyed by injuries this season, but they have recently welcomed their big man trio of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II back from injury as they continue to make a push for a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament. And now that they are back, Davis thinks they could help the Mavericks do some damage.

"We know how dominant we can be when we are healthy and available," Davis said last week. "It's just about us going out there and enforcing our dominance."

Another guy who has been forced to miss is Exum, as he's been out the past 11 games after suffering a left hand fracture. Initially, Exum was expected to miss the rest of the season, but he's been upgraded to questionable for Dallas' upcoming game, indicating that he is nearing a return to action.

"Mavericks G Dante Exum (left hand surgery) has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow night’s game against the Lakers," Kevin Gray Jr. reported in a post on X.

Mavericks G Dante Exum (left hand surgery) has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow night’s game against the Lakers #MFFL
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) April 8, 2025

Exum has only played 18 games this season, but when he's been on the court, he's made an impact, averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field, which includes him hitting a blistering 44.7% of his three-point attempts.

With a 38-41 record, the Mavericks hold the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference standings, with the Phoenix Suns sitting 2.5 games behind them. If Phoenix loses one more game, Dallas would officially clinch a spot in the play-in tournament.

The Mavericks and Lakers will face off on Wednesday night, with tip-off being scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

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