Anthony Davis Cleared to Play vs. Lakers in First Matchup Since Blockbuster Trade

The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks just gained a major storyline.

According to Shams Charania, Anthony Davis has been officially cleared to return and is expected to suit up tonight at Crypto.com Arena, marking his first game against the Lakers since being traded in February.

Davis has been out for roughly a month due to a calf issue, but Friday’s update signals his long-awaited return to action.

🔄 First Time Facing the Lakers Since the Trade

This will be Davis’ first opportunity to go head-to-head with his former franchise — the team he won a championship with in 2020 and spent five injury-heavy seasons leading.

Ironically, the injury narrative followed him to Dallas.

🩺 A Rough Start in Dallas: Only 14 Games Played

Between the end of last season and the start of the current campaign, Davis has logged just 14 total games for the Mavericks.

He arrived healthy in October and played five games before being shut down again. At one point, there was concern he may have suffered an Achilles injury, but imaging confirmed a calf strain, which required about 30 days of recovery.

📊 AD’s Numbers With the Mavs

In his brief tenure with Dallas, Davis has posted solid production:

• 20.3 points per game
• 10.1 rebounds per game

This season, before exiting the lineup, he delivered a double-double in all four games he completed — a promising sign the Mavericks hope he can rediscover tonight.

🎭 The Big Question: How Will AD Handle His Return to LA?

Initially listed as a likely scratch for the matchup, Davis now flips to being the headline surprise of the night.

The atmosphere is expected to be charged, and all eyes will be on how he reacts to his first meeting with former teammates, staff, and a crowd that once called him their defensive anchor.

With the Lakers pushing to stay undefeated in NBA Cup group play and the Mavericks needing momentum, Davis’ return couldn’t come at a more dramatic moment.