KEY POINTS

  • The Lakers could welcome back Anthony Davis against the Dallas Mavericks
  • Davis will play sparingly as the Lakers monitor his status
  • The attention will shift to LeBron James return once Davis plays again

After sitting out for more than two months due to a calf strain, Anthony Davis could be at the cusp of returning for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The All-Star center has been cleared to participate in practice, giving NBA fans something to look forward to.

The update on Davis comes from Lakers head coach Frank Vogel. However, he also cautioned NBA fans to taper their expectations.

Even if the 28-year-old center is slated to return, his time on the floor will be monitored closely. Vogel allegedly plans to put a 15-minute restriction for “The Brow.”

Regardless, the good news is that Davis is returning to the fold and probably in time for the Lakers. The team has been trying to keep its campaign afloat with its top stars out of the lineup.

Dennis Schroder, Motnrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma have been trying their best to make up for the void, but it is apparent that the Lakers need their top stars back soon.

Davis is likely to need more time to recall his old form. In the 23 games where he saw action, he averaged 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and three assists in 32.8 minutes of action.

Once he is back to full form, these are numbers that should help the Lakers’ cause.

Additionally, it will be interesting how his tandem with Andre Drummond will work out.

The 6-foot-10 center has been playing a pivotal role in the Lakers' bid for back-to-back NBA titles, but his minutes on the floor are expected to change once Davis and James are back in harness.

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Sean M. Haffey

The earliest possible time that Davis may suit up would be in the game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Once that is done, attention will shift to James who has no definite timetable of returning to the floor.

Regardless, “The King” is expected to be back in the succeeding weeks. He is likely to be placed on restrictive minutes as well for the first couple of games.

But once the NBA playoffs start, the Lakers could be one of the teams to watch as they resume their quest for a second consecutive NBA title.