Mavericks' Anthony Davis reacts to trade rumors while eyeing return against Lakers

Trade rumors continue to swirl around Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis.

Reports have emerged that the 5-14 Mavericks are shopping the 10-time All-Star, but minority owner Mark Cuban has denied those. Davis, meanwhile, is trying to block that out and focus on returning from a left calf injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Oct. 29. 

Anthony Davis reacts to trade rumors

"Man, look. Y'all make it like we're going to war or something. This is basketball. It comes with it," Davis said Wednesday, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. "I think everybody in their career has been involved in trade talks or been traded or some type of move. That doesn't affect me. 

"I've been in trade talks for a while. My job is to do what I do when I'm on the floor, play basketball and try to lead this team. Whatever comes out of that, comes out of that. I don't really have control over that, but I do have an open line of communication with the front office, and I'm just ready to get back on the floor." 

Davis hasn't been on the floor much since being swapped for Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic in February. The 6-foot-10, 253-pound star has played in just 14 games for the team because of adductor, groin and abdomen issues. 

Davis said it's been "frustrating" that he hasn't played more, but he's now feeling healthier as he's eyeing a return in Friday's game against the Lakers at 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video. He hasn't faced his former team since being traded for Doncic and has clearly been eagerly awaiting that opportunity. 

"That's a real question? You know what game I want to play, but we'll see," Davis said when asked if he would prefer returning against the Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

The Mavericks hope Davis — who has averaged 20.8 PPG in five games — makes an immediate impact if he returns against the Lakers on Friday. But if he doesn't, cries for the Mavericks to trade him will grow louder. The franchise should consider listening to them, as the deal for the one-time champion has continually looked like one of the franchise's bigger blunders.