Dallas Basketball

Lakers to show tribute video honoring Anthony Davis during Mavs matchup

The big man is returning to LA for the first time since being traded.
Keenan Womack|
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks will travel to LA to take on the Lakers in a game that has the entire country watching out of intrigue after the baffling blockbuster deal that sent former Maverick Luka Doncic out west in exchange for Anthony Davis, a key member of their 2020 NBA Title and one of the all-time great centers. The swap, which took place on February 2, sent shockwaves through the entire NBA, drawing all kinds of reactions, but mostly negative ones regarding the Mavericks' haul for such an elite talent.

Given Davis' role in LA's title run five years ago, the Lakers organization has decided to honor Davis with a tribute video before the game tonight. Though he won't be suiting up for the game due to an adductor strain, which has sidelined him since his first outing with Dallas, he will still be on the bench for the Mavericks. Davis currently has no date for a possible return, which is unfortunate, as Dallas is now down not only him, but their original two starting centers as well in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

READ MORE: Ex-Maverick predicts Luka Doncic will go off in Lakers-Mavs

aDallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This season, Davis has averaged 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 stocks (steals + blocks) per game while shooting 52% from the field and being an elite rim protector, amongst his vast array of skills. Though his trade to Dallas was controversial to say the least, and only exacerbated by his immediate injury, Davis is still a top-notch talent, which is why the Lakers want to honor him.

As a member of the Mavericks now, the video may be the best thing about tonight for Anthony Davis, with Dallas down several players and a hungry Luka Doncic looking for revenge.

READ MORE: Jordan Brand releases savage Luka Doncic ad ahead of Lakers-Mavs game

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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