Lakers to play Mavericks in AD’s return to LA
Tonight, your Los Angeles Lakers (13-4) are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks (5-14). The history between these two teams is too apparent and obvious to be ignored. This is set to make for some excellent storylines going into the game.
While these two teams are a ways away in the Western Conference standings, the talent lines up. If the Lakers don’t take this one seriously, Dallas would be more than happy to make AD’s return a joyous one.
Anthony Davis’ first game back in LA
Since the league-altering trade last season that sent Luka Dončić to LA and Anthony Davis to Dallas, Davis has yet to play a game back in Crypto.com Arena. Tonight, that is set to change.
BREAKING: Anthony Davis will make his return tonight and play vs the Lakers 👀
This will be the first time he plays in LA since the trade… pic.twitter.com/njV2kuuaqX
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 28, 2025
Davis has missed most of this season due to a calf injury. The team’s trainers and physicians have been extra cautious with Davis due to the likelihood of a calf injury turning into a more serious Achilles injury. Tonight, though, they’ve given the big man the go-ahead.
So tonight, when the Lakers take on the Mavericks, there will be a lot of emotions attached. Luckily, Deandre Ayton has been upgraded to available. Ayton has had a good year, averaging 15.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG on 69.6% from the field (2nd in the NBA).
Cooper Flagg vs Luka Dončić
Tonight, we will witness the first matchup between Dallas’ past and Dallas’ future. Cooper Flagg vs Luka Dončić will be must-see television.
Dončić is averaging 35.2 PPG (1st), 9.2 APG (4th), and 8.8 RPG (18th) this season. Flagg is averaging 15.9 PPG (2nd among rookies), 6.4 RPG (2nd among rookies), and 1.3 SPG (2nd among rookies).
Luka will certainly try to have his moment against him, and we all know how LeBron likes to have welcome to the NBA moments with rookies.
Did the Lakers or Mavericks win the trade?
It’s definitely not a good start for your case when you’ve already parted ways with the GM who made the trade. Luka, as previously mentioned, is leading the league in PPG and is one of the top MVP candidates in this early season. The Lakers are 2nd in the West at 13-4.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have hardly had any of AD and are currently 5-14. One of the worst records in the league.
Tonight will by no means be the end-all, be-all of who won this trade. It will, however, be a solid first installment towards that answer.
