Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

WATCH: Anthony Davis’ emotional reaction to tribute in Mavericks-Lakers game

Anthony Davis averaged 24.8 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Lakers.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis walked into the Crypto.com Arena for the first time in almost a month’s time, but this time not as a Laker. The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Dallas Mavericks in a highly-anticipated clash on Tuesday, February 25. It was their first meeting since both teams engaged in a blockbuster deal, where Dallas acquired Davis while the Lakers booked Luka Doncic.

While Luka Doncic stepped onto the court for his fifth Laker game, things weren’t the same for Davis. The 10-time All-Star who has been on sidelines since February 8, was set to miss another exciting game tonight. However, on his return to Crypto Arena as a Mavs player, the Lakers made sure to give a tribute to Davis.

Not only this, but following the tribute, the crowd greeted Davis with a standing ovation, making it all way more special for him.

The Lakers crowd greets Anthony Davis with a standing ovation after L.A. welcomes the championship big man back with a tribute video pic.twitter.com/gz6iA4ctjO
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 26, 2025

Notably, Davis sustained an adductor injury during his debut Mavericks game, he played on February 8 against the Rockets. While he announced his arrival to the new side with a solid 26 point performance, a non-contact injury he had in the final minutes of the game forced him to be out of action since then.

Also Read:
Mavericks vs Lakers: How many points did Luka Doncic score tonight against his former team?
5 things to expect in Lakers vs Mavericks game
LeBron James surpasses Michael Jordan for another remarkable NBA record

Anthony Davis’ tenure in Purple and Gold

Davis moved to the Lakers in a 2019 following a trade from the Pelicans, and soon started to make his mark with the new side. He, along with LeBron James led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Finals, where their side recorded a 4-2 win over the Heat and won their 17th championship.

Following a couple of injury-plagued seasons with the side from 2020 to 2022, Davis returned to action to guide the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. He signed a three-year extension with the Lakers in August in the same year and won the inaugural NBA Cup with the side.

Davis is one of the eight players in the league who have won NBA Championship, an NCAA Championship, and an Olympic gold medal.

Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.