Deandre Ayton Praises Anthony Davis’ Star Power Ahead of Lakers–Mavs Showdown

The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to finish NBA Cup group play a perfect 4-0, a result that would secure a knockout-stage home game. But standing between them and that goal is a Dallas Mavericks team finally welcoming back Anthony Davis — and his former franchise is preparing for the full challenge.

The matchup also marks the return of Deandre Ayton, who missed Tuesday’s win over the Clippers but is cleared to play tonight. And as the Lakers’ starting center, Ayton will draw the primary assignment on Davis.

After Friday’s morning shootaround, he didn’t hesitate to show respect for the eight-time All-Star.

🗣️ Ayton on AD: “One Man Can’t Guard Him”

Speaking with reporters, Ayton highlighted just how difficult Davis is to slow down — and compared him to the league’s most unstoppable forces.

“You don’t want to foul him. AD is a great shot-maker. It takes the whole team to guard him,” Ayton said. “You treat him like a Giannis, like Jokic, like all the other superstars in this league. One man can’t really guard him.”

His game plan is simple: swarm him.

“Throw two at him as much as possible, get the ball out of his hands early. Don’t let him get to his spots. He’s gonna get to the middy, so try not to foul him — just give him hard looks.”

Ayton added that seeing Davis back on the court raises the stakes.

“I love to compete. Seeing him out there brings another competitive type of spirit.”

📉 Davis’ Season: Only Five Games So Far

It’s been a rough start to Davis’ first full year in Dallas. The veteran big man has appeared in just five games due to lingering calf issues. Tonight marks his first action since Oct. 29, and Dallas desperately needs the boost — they’ve struggled to find identity without him.

🟣 Ayton’s Status: Knee Issue Not Serious

Ayton, who essentially replaced Davis as the Lakers’ centerpiece at the five, missed one game due to a knee bruise but made it clear the injury is minor.

“It was just a little bruising. Stuff I could play through,” Ayton said. “It hurts, but it’s something I can play through. Shootaround went pretty smoothly — no uncomfortableness.”

With both starting centers cleared, the Lakers–Mavericks matchup carries even more weight:

Davis returns looking to stabilize Dallas, while Ayton continues to anchor a Lakers team trying to stay perfect in NBA Cup play.