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Deandre Ayton Injury Update Before Los Angeles Lakers Face Dallas Mavericks In NBA Cup Game

Grant AfsethGrant Afsethno comment
Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have already secured their place in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, but Saturday’s group-stage finale against the Dallas Mavericks carries added intrigue — from major injury returns to the first Crypto.com Arena appearance for Anthony Davis as an opposing player since last season’s blockbuster trade.

The Lakers improved to 3–0 in West Group B after Tuesday’s win over the LA Clippers, clinching the group’s top spot. They did so without starting center Deandre Ayton, who sat out with a knee contusion. Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Ayton has been upgraded to probable, positioning the Lakers to have their preferred frontcourt intact.

Deandre Ayton Expected Back

Ayton’s impending return is significant, especially with Davis also trending toward playing after participating in his first full practice in nearly a month. Davis has missed the past 14 games due to a strained left calf suffered Oct. 29 against Indiana. Before the injury, he opened the season with four straight 20-point double-doubles and is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.

His return would set the stage for an emotional night. Davis — acquired by Dallas on Feb. 2 in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris — has not played at Crypto.com Arena since the deal was completed.

Ayton, added in the offseason after a buyout with Portland, has been one of the Lakers’ most efficient performers. In 15 games, he’s averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting an elite 69.6 percent from the field. The Lakers will also monitor veteran guard Marcus Smart, who appeared on the injury report as questionable with back spasms.

Despite injuries, Los Angeles sits at 13–4 and holds the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Luka Dončić’s MVP Push Continues

Luka Dončić once again finds himself among the league’s top MVP contenders — but this time in a Lakers uniform. After averaging 29.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists last season, Dončić has elevated his production to an NBA-leading 35.2 points per game while adding 8.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists. He has produced five 40-point games in just 13 outings, compared to four in 50 games last season.

This past Tuesday, Dončić posted 43 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists in a win over the Clippers, continuing one of the most dominant offensive stretches of his career. Alongside Austin Reaves — who is averaging 27.9 points — the Lakers boast the NBA’s highest-scoring duo at 63.1 points per game.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was asked Thursday if Dončić looks any different than he did while playing in Dallas.

“He’s one of the best scorers in the world, so I don’t know if it’s anything different,” Kidd said. “I think you can see he’s confident and he’s playing the game at a very high level…if not the MVP. Just understanding, we’ve seen that while he was here in Dallas, and he’s doing it in LA.”

Kidd also acknowledged the challenge awaiting his undermanned roster.

“They got LeBron back and then understanding Luka’s playing at a very high level,” Kidd said. “He’s leading the league in scoring, and the Lakers are playing at a high level – Reaves, the whole team. (We have to) be able to try to slow their offense down and make them work on the other end.”

Dallas, meanwhile, opens a three-game road trip Friday and will remain in Los Angeles through Saturday’s game against the Clippers before heading to Denver. The Mavericks remain without Kyrie Irving (ACL), Dante Exum (knee surgery), and Dereck Lively II (foot swelling). Kidd said Lively will miss the entire trip.

The Lakers, who won the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup in 2023, have secured a spot in this year’s knockout round. Dallas has been eliminated after a 1–2 start.

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Tags :Anthony DavisDallas MavericksDeandre AytonJason KiddLeBron JamesLos Angeles LakersLuka Doncicmarcus smartNBANBA Cup

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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