However, the Lakers stunned the NBA on Feb. 2 by trading Davis to the Mavericks for Doncic. There was optimism that the Lakers could bring Davis back to Los Angeles this season after Dallas fired general manager Nico Harrison last month and was rumoured to blow up its roster.

Austin Reaves scored 38 points, Luka Doncic added 35 points and 11 assists in his third meeting with his former team, and the Lakers spoiled Anthony Davis' return to Los Angeles with a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

Anthony Davis received an important injury update ahead of Friday night's Mavericks-Lakers game in Los Angeles.

Anthony Davis has started the 2025-26 NBA season in less-than-ideal circumstances. After just five appearances for the Dallas Mavericks, a left calf strain has ruled AD out of 14 games. But Davis' return is set to come in one of the most entertaining games,

Doncic scored 35 points and dished 11 assists in his third matchup against his former team since the fateful trade.

Here's what to watch for as Anthony Davis prepares to make his injury return against the Lakers on Friday night.