ESPN’s Shams Charania has confirmed that Anthony Davis will officially return on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Earlier in the week, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reported that Davis participated in Wednesday’s practice and was expected to be listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup.
Dallas has two days off before a back-to-back in Los Angeles, facing the Lakers on Friday and the Clippers on Saturday.
Because Davis has been out since October 29 with a left calf strain, he won’t be cleared to play in both games. The Mavericks plan to evaluate how he feels on Thursday before deciding which game he’ll suit up for.
When asked which one he preferred, Davis barely hid his answer.
“That’s a real question?” he said with a smile. “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 staff and the coaching staff.”
He has yet to play at Crypto.com Arena as a Maverick since being traded from the Lakers in February due to multiple injuries.
Davis originally targeted a much quicker return from the calf strain that has kept him out 14 straight games, but team governor Patrick Dumont reportedly stepped in to ensure the team took a cautious approach to avoid any re-aggravation.
Dallas went 2–3 with Davis early in the season but has since dropped 11 of 14, falling to 5–14 and second-worst in the West.
Alongside Davis’ absence, the Mavericks have also been without Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum due to long-term injuries, as well as Dereck Lively II, who’s dealing with foot and knee problems.
Anthony Davis To Return Friday Vs. Lakers https://t.co/D6urtmqr2w pic.twitter.com/8DR8myn7cH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 28, 2025
