The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-99 victory against the Dallas Mavericks at the Crypto.com arena last evening. This home victory was significant, as the hosts welcomed back former Lakers champion Anthony Davis to LA just weeks after his trade to Dallas for Luka Doncic.
LeBron James and Davis have competed in 249 games for the Lakers during the past six seasons. Although their collaboration has ended, James emphasized during the post-game press conference that they share a lifelong connection despite not being teammates anymore.
“We understand the significance of AD for this franchise.” What he contributed to the franchise from the time we acquired him. To grasp a Larry O’Brien trophy, receive All-Star selections, triumph in the inaugural In-Season Tournament, and experience numerous commanding performances both at home and away. Clearly, our friendship is understood. He is among my closest friends. “It was wonderful to witness him receive that acknowledgment at that time.”
LeBron recorded averages of 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in 249 games alongside Anthony Davis, who averaged 24.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks during that period.
James was commenting on the Lakers celebrating Davis’ return by creating a video tribute acknowledging his contributions to the team, while LeBron was visible supporting his old teammate on the court, enjoying the affection from a Lakers fanbase appreciative of Davis’ dedication.
Regrettably, Davis was unable to participate in his team’s initial game returning to LA. He has been sidelined since his debut with the Mavericks, where he sustained an adductor strain during his first game for the team. Davis’s injury, together with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, has caused a significant roster problem that the team is attempting to address.
It wasn’t effective against LA last night, while Davis observed LeBron rewind time yet again. James scored 27 points (11-17 FG) and grabbed 12 rebounds in the victory, while Luka Doncic achieved an impressive triple-double with 19 points (6-17 FG), 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in his first matchup against the Mavericks after being traded.
The teams will meet again this season in a match that could attract significantly more attention than tonight’s game. The Mavs are set to face the Lakers in Dallas on April 9, a late-season game that will be Doncic’s first appearance at the American Airlines Center in a different team’s uniform.
Davis is anticipated to be fit for the game, based on his current schedule indicating a return in March. This season, he is averaging 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.3 steals each game.