Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis has finally spoken about his potential return to the court, and he made one thing clear: the date on the calendar matters just as much as the recovery itself.

Which LA Showdown Is Anthony Davis Targeting for His Return?

The Dallas Mavericks have played it safe with Davis as he recovers from a calf strain, but the superstar center is eyeing a specific moment for his comeback. When reporters asked for the latest on his status, Davis provided a viral moment that left little doubt about his intentions.

Anthony Davis (calf) on if he’d prefer to return Friday against the Lakers or Saturday against the Clippers:

“You know what game I want to play.”pic.twitter.com/fi7KyCpb4u

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 26, 2025

“If you had a preference, would you rather play Friday or Saturday?” Davis was asked. The veteran paused for a second, letting a smile play out on his face. “That’s a real question?”, he said with a laugh. “You know what game I want to play.”

Dallas is currently in the middle of a three-day break during their road trip. Their next matchup is an NBA Emirates Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, where Davis won a championship and played before last season’s blockbuster trade. Following that, the Mavericks face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at the Intuit Dome.

How Does the Nico Harrison Firing Impact Davis?

Facing the Lakers offers Davis a chance to validate the massive deal that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for him. However, the situation is complicated by the recent firing of Nico Harrison, the general manager who orchestrated that trade earlier this month.

“It was surprising more than anything,” Davis said to Dallas Morning News reporter Mark Curtis. “Nico’s my guy. He played a huge part in getting me here and wanting me to fulfill his vision that he saw. It was definitely tough. Me and him had a conversation. Me and [Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont] had a conversation. It’s the business of basketball.”

Davis has been working toward recovery while Dallas has stumbled to a 5-14 record in the 2025-26 campaign. Head coach Jason Kidd first hinted that a return was close before the team’s loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 24.

MORE: ‘Definitely Tough’ — Mavericks Star Anthony Davis Breaks Silence On Nico Harrison’s Shocking Firing

The ten-time All-Star has been sidelined since Oct. 29 after suffering a left calf strain against the Indiana Pacers. His absence has been devastating for a roster that is also missing star point guard Kyrie Irving, guard Dante Exum, and forward/center Dereck Lively II, who recently suffered an injury.

Now, a return against the franchise with which he won a title provides the ultimate stage. For Davis, a primetime matchup against the Lakers could be precisely the spark needed to silence the early trade predictions and get Dallas back on track.