Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks was full of reunions. But it wasn’t just Luka Dončić who had a homecoming. The game was the first time the Lakers faced Anthony Davis since trading him to the Mavericks two months ago in the blockbuster deal that brought Dončić to LA.
All eyes were on Dončić’s return to Dallas but Davis’ game against his former team added another layer to an already crazy night. 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists. Davis looked like an All-Star despite the Mavericks losing 112–97. But it was the emotions of the reunion that stood out most.
LeBron James Opens Up About Facing Anthony Davis
After the game, LeBron James was asked what it was like to face his old teammate and championship partner Anthony Davis. LeBron had one word: “different”.
“Different,” James said via Spectrum SportsNet. “Different, obviously we had our own emotions built in. It was just different, I think when he was in New Orleans … I ain’t got comfortable yet with him being on the other side.”
The bond between James and Davis is deep. They played together for 5 1/2 seasons in LA, won a championship in 2020. For LeBron seeing Davis in Mavericks blue was surreal – especially when he found himself guarding his former teammate at key moments in the game.
Fans noticed too, as social media went crazy with reactions to LeBron defending Davis:
“Bron guarding AD doesn’t feel real 😭”
— @HoHighlights
It was surreal for Lakers fans who were used to seeing the duo dominate together on the court.
Feeling for Both Sides
For Davis, playing the Lakers had to be tough. After being the face of the franchise alongside LeBron for years, his departure was a shock – even though the trade brought in a generational talent in Dončić. Wednesday night, seeing him in another team’s jersey hit home.
The Lakers seemed still in shock. They’ve embraced Dončić as their new star, but seeing Davis line up against them had to be tough to see him against the Lakers had to be tough to see him against the Lakers had to be tough. Davis line up on the other side was a harsh reminder of how much has changed in such a short time.
Davis on His Time in LA
Davis didn’t say much after the game, but his play spoke volumes. He wasn’t sharp (4-15 from the field), but he impacted the game on both ends of the floor, and showed why he’s one of the most versatile bigs in the league.
For Lakers fans, watching Davis play against them was like watching him in purple and gold. From game winners to defensive clinics, he left his mark on the franchise—a mark that isn’t going anywhere even as he starts his new chapter in Dallas.
What’s Next for Both?
With the win, the Lakers are 49-31 and solidifying their playoff position. The Mavericks are 38-42 and their playoff hopes are on life support. As both teams wind down the regular season, nights like tonight remind us of the human side of every trade and every rivalry.
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