Davis returns to practice, eyeing Los Angeles games. The Mavericks weigh a strategic decision for his comeback against the Lakers or Clippers.
DALLAS — Anthony Davis took a major step toward returning to the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup, completing his first full practice in weeks and putting himself in position to play in Los Angeles this weekend — even if only for one of the two games.
The Mavericks have listed Davis as questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Lakers, the organization that traded him to Dallas in February. His status for Saturday’s game against the Clippers remains intertwined with how he recovers from Wednesday’s workload, and both Davis and the team made clear the choice will come down to practicality rather than emotion.
After going nearly a month without participating in a full session, Davis said getting through Wednesday’s competitive practice offered the clearest sign yet that his return is close.
In describing that process, he noted how much he needed the chance to move freely again.
“A good practice, great intensity,” Davis said. “A good competitive spirited practice, so it was good to get back on the floor with the guys.”
The left calf strain that sidelined Davis on Oct. 29 against the Indiana Pacers cost him 14 games and halted a promising start that included four straight double-doubles. He is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 52 percent shooting in 29.8 minutes.
But despite Wednesday’s encouraging step, the Mavericks must still decide which of the two Los Angeles games he will play. Davis acknowledged he has a preferred option — one he didn’t try to hide.
As he finished practice, he offered a candid view of where he hopes to be Friday night.
“You know what game I want to play, but we’ll see,” Davis said. “We’ll have a conversation and see what makes the most sense with the medical staff and coaching staff. No decision has been made.”
He added that the universally important part is simply stepping back onto the court.
“Obviously, I would like to (play against the Lakers),” he said. “But at the end of the day the main thing is to just be on the floor whether it’s Friday or Saturday.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd came away encouraged by Davis’ readiness after finally seeing him rejoin the full group.
“I thought the first practice with the group he did a really good job,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, we can see how he feels tomorrow, and then we’ll make that decision if it’s LA or the Clippers.”
Dallas has felt Davis’ absence in its 5–14 start, particularly in tight finishes. The Mavericks have played a league-high 15 clutch games and won only four. Watching those moments unfold from the sideline has been difficult, Davis said, knowing he is supposed to be the team’s late-game anchor.
He explained that the timing of his injury — and the opportunities the team has let slip — has amplified his frustration.
“And that’s the tough thing about us — we’re right there,” Davis said. “We’re in every game. For me it’s like this is where the moment is for me to kind of close these games and help us on both ends of the floor.”
He followed that thought with a hopeful tone about what his return could mean.
“It gets even more frustrating knowing that I’m not able to go out there on the floor,” he said. “Hopefully — I say hopefully — this weekend I’ll be able to get out there and start winning some of these clutch games.”
During Davis’ time rehabbing, the Mavericks stunned players across the roster by firing general manager Nico Harrison, the executive who acquired Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers in the blockbuster Feb. 2 trade that sent Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles.
Davis described the moment as abrupt and unexpected.
“I think it was surprising to all of us,” Davis said. “No one knew — at least the players — what was happening. It was surprising more than anything. Nico is my guy. Obviously, he played a huge part of getting me here and wanting me to fulfill his vision in a sense that he saw, so it was definitely tough.”
He said private conversations with Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont helped him focus back on recovery and the larger goals that brought him to Dallas.
“Once I had those conversations I was able to move forward and continue to rehab and get back on the floor and try to compete,” Davis said. “First, get back on the floor, then try to compete to win games and do what Nico brought all of us here for, which is to ultimately win a championship.”
Kidd emphasized that Davis’ value extends beyond scoring, particularly with so many close losses.
“You talk about rebounding, scoring and his leadership,” Kidd said. “Those are three big areas that we need, especially with a lot of these games being close.”
Trade speculation surfaced during Davis’ absence, but he brushed it aside with ease.
He framed the situation as something natural in the league, not a personal burden.
“Don’t make it seem like we’re going to war or something,” Davis said. “This is basketball. This is what comes with it. I think everybody, seeing if they’ve been involved in trade talks, or been traded or some type of move, that doesn’t affect me.”
He said he remains in regular communication with Dallas’ front office — and just wants to play.
“I’ve been in trade talks for a while,” Davis said. “My job is to do what I do when I’m on the floor, play basketball, try to lead this team and whatever comes out of that comes out of that.”
Davis made his Mavericks debut on Feb. 8 with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks before a groin injury forced him out for 19 games. The wait has been long, he admitted.
“You know it’s frustrating when you’re sitting out,” Davis said. “Our job is to play games, and I want to play. (I’m just) listening to the medical staff and the front office and just trying to be smart with the situation, but it is what it is.”
And now, after weeks of limited work and gradual ramp-ups, Davis believes his return is finally imminent.
“The time is now,” he said. “I’ve gotten closer to getting back on the floor. Hopefully, (it’s) this weekend and just go from there.”