The struggling Dallas Mavericks hope to get back on track as they visit their rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks abruptly traded Luka Dončić in a deal for Anthony Davis, making this matchup all the more interesting.
That one-sided trade has clearly favored the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are still hoping to get the most out of that move by showcasing Davis for a potential trade.
That has been complicated by him missing the team's last 14 games with a knee injury and confusion about his availability. Team owner Patrick Dumont has even gotten involved to ensure that Davis doesn't get reinjured ahead of his return.
Now, it seems that he is nearing his return, and it couldn't come at a better time with Dallas currently just 5-14. Their playoff hopes are dwindling by the game.
But if Davis is able to return soon and play well, it would potentially open the door for a blockbuster trade that could set the Mavericks up well going forward. However, will he play tonight against the Lakers?
Will Anthony Davis play against the Los Angeles Lakers?
Davis is currently listed as questionable by the Mavericks heading into their Friday night game against the Lakers. He is clearly progressing, with coach Jason Kidd even mentioning that he is essentially 50/50 heading into the team's game against the Lakers.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says Anthony Davis is in contention to make his return Friday against the Lakers in Los Angeles if he responds well to today’s practice.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 26, 2025
Kidd says Davis will be listed as questionable for Friday after missing the past 14 games with a left calf strain. https://t.co/yIPbWa6E1c
Him playing against Los Angeles would give Dallas a chance as some measure of revenge. After all, that disastrous Doncic trade has caused their free fall.
Dallas Mavericks' full injury report against Los Angeles Lakers
Joining Davis on the Mavericks injury report are Derek Lively II, Dante Exum, and Kyrie Irving. Lively II, Exum, and Irving all will not play as they recover from foot, ankle, and torn ACL injuries.
Hopefully, they will have Davis at least, who could dramatically improve their chances of upsetting the Lakers. Unfortunately for Dallas, however, the Lakers are near full strength ahead of their matchup on Friday, November 28th.
Next, we'll take a look at the Lakers' full injury report and see who's in and who's out.
Los Angeles Lakers' full injury report against Dallas Mavericks
The Lakers have a clear advantage in terms of both talent and health. Only center Deandre Ayton appears on their injury report, with him dealing with a knee injury. However, he is only day-to-day and could very well play against the Mavericks on Friday.
That means that Los Angeles could have their full team when they have a showdown against Dallas. That doesn't bode well for the Mavericks' chances and could make this game fairly lopsided. Especially with Davis being questionable for their matchup on Friday, November 28th.