Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Will Anthony Davis play against Lakers tonight?

Dallas Mavericks head into Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with a storyline that has dominated their season so far — the prolonged absence of Anthony Davis. After missing nearly a month of action, the former Lakers star is finally nearing his return, giving Dallas a much-needed boost as they look to revive their struggling campaign.

Mavericks hope for a turnaround as Anthony Davis nears return

The Mavericks have felt the impact of Anthony Davis’ absence in a major way. Since going down with a lingering calf strain on October 29, the team has plummeted to a 5-14 record, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference despite entering the season viewed by many as dark-horse contenders.

Dallas’ issues have been clear — without Davis, the team has lacked a dominant interior presence on both ends of the floor. His availability has been an ongoing concern, as the star forward has appeared in only 56 games dating back to last season.

However, the tide may finally be turning. As the Dallas Mavericks prepared for their highly anticipated showdown with the Lakers, ESPN insider Shams Charania delivered a crucial update: Anthony Davis plans to suit up for tonight’s contest.

Davis set to face his former team in Los Angeles

Friday's matchup carries additional weight beyond simple lineup changes. If Davis plays, it will mark his first appearance in Los Angeles since being traded in the blockbuster Luka Doncic deal last February — a trade many analysts have evaluated heavily and often unfavorably for Dallas.

The emotional and competitive stakes are undeniable. Charania noted the significance of this moment, and it’s hard to ignore the timing of Davis’ return. With Dallas Mavericks struggling, and with public perception still shaped by the trade fallout, this game offers Anthony Davis a high-profile opportunity to remind critics of his impact.

For Dallas, the timing couldn’t be better. The team is desperate for answers, and getting back a ten-time All-Star — even at less than full rhythm — could be the spark they need to shift momentum.