Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis was all smiles as he celebrated a 101-92 victory against the Orlando Magic, enjoying the moment with his children in the locker room. Having just returned to action, Davis expressed his happiness about playing again and adjusting to his new team following the blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.
During his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019 to 2025, Davis averaged impressive statistics, including 24.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He also secured an NBA championship in 2020. Though the trade to Dallas for Luka Doncic was unexpected, Davis has embraced his new role and is enjoying the transition.
Davis admitted that the trade caught him off guard, with the first 48 hours being particularly overwhelming. Understanding Doncic’s significance to the Mavericks, he was unsure how his new teammates would react. However, as he settled in, he developed a strong bond with the team, which has contributed to his positive outlook.
Davis Battles Injury Setbacks While Aiming to Help Mavericks’ Playoff Push
Since joining the Mavericks, Davis has played limited minutes due to an abdominal injury. Despite this, he has already showcased his talent, scoring 26 points with 17 rebounds in his debut game. Unfortunately, his injury flared up again, forcing him to miss six weeks, further compounding the team’s injury struggles.
Anthony Davis (NBA)Davis’ absence coincided with multiple injuries on the Mavericks roster, including season-ending ones for Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum. Despite these setbacks, the team continues to push for a playoff spot. Davis opted to return to action instead of sitting out the remainder of the season, believing his presence could aid the team’s push.
Davis recalled the severity of his abdominal injury, describing the intense pain and mobility issues he faced. Initially believing it was a minor strain, an MRI confirmed the extent of the damage. Though surgery was not required, recovery took longer than anticipated, impacting his rhythm and conditioning.
Davis Reflects on Injuries, Transition, and Facing His Former Team
Davis shared his reaction to Irving’s season-ending ACL tear, expressing his concern when it happened. He acknowledged the series of injuries the Mavericks have suffered and emphasized the importance of supporting injured teammates through recovery. Davis commended Irving’s positive mindset as he begins rehabilitation.
Adjusting to his new team while being sidelined was one of the toughest aspects of the trade for Davis. He also mentioned struggling to find a permanent home in Dallas, adding to his transitional challenges. However, he remains optimistic about his future with the Mavericks.
Davis has not yet fully processed the emotional aspect of playing against his former team on April 9. He acknowledged that the game will be significant, especially with Luka Doncic returning, but expects the most emotional moment to come when he plays in Los Angeles next season.
Despite the trade, Davis’ relationship with former teammate LeBron James remains intact. While their communication has lessened due to their respective teams’ playoff pursuits, they still check in on each other. Davis expressed confidence that they will reconnect during the offseason to maintain their strong bond.
