The Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in their final group play game of the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Lakers have already clinched their group and advanced to the knockout round, so there won’t be any drama in that regard. Anytime L.A. plays Dallas there is an added level of intrigue, however, after last February’s trade that swapped Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis.
That trade has worked out well for the Lakers as they are currently the second seed in the West at 13-4 and Doncic is playing at an MVP level. The same could not be said for the Mavericks, who are struggling at 5-14 and have hardly had Davis in the lineup. They already fired general manager Nico Harrison, who was responsible for making the trade.
Davis has been dealing with a calf injury that has limited him to just five games so far this season. He has been making progress though and seems to be nearing his return to the court. Dallas has a back-to-back on Friday against the Lakers and then Saturday against the L.A. Clippers.
Considering Davis won’t play in both of those games, he made it clear that he prefers to play against the Lakers, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News:
“That’s a real question? You know what game I want to play. But we’ll see. We’ll have a conversation and see what makes the most sense with the medical and coaching staff and see if a decision has been made. Obviously would like to, but at the end of the day, the main thing is just getting back on the floor whether it’s Friday or Saturday, whatever we discuss.”
Davis wanting to take it to his former team shouldn’t come as a surprise. Whether or not he is ready by Friday remains to be seen though as it will depend on how he comes out of practice the next couple of days.
Even though Davis wants to play, it would be wise of the Mavericks to remain cautious and not rush him back if he is not 100% healthy. Davis has an extensive injury history and calf issues can often lead to more serious injuries, which is why they have taken their time bringing the big man back.
Luka Doncic ‘focused on Lakers’ when asked about Mavericks return
After the Mavericks parted ways with general manager Nico Harrison, Luka Doncic was asked if he would ever consider returning to Dallas and he made it clear that he is focused on the Lakers.
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