The Los Angeles Lakers will have center Deandre Ayton back in uniform Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, while guard Marcus Smart has been ruled out, the team announced.
Ayton missed one game with a right knee contusion but is cleared to play at Crypto.com Arena. Through 15 games this season, the 27-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and shooting 69.6 percent from the field.
Smart, who was initially listed as questionable with back spasms, will remain on the sideline. His absence shifts additional back-court minutes to Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia and rookie Dalton Knecht.
On the Dallas side, Anthony Davis returns after missing the last 14 games because of a calf strain. Head coach Jason Kidd said Davis is expected to log 24–27 minutes. The matchup marks Davis’ first appearance at Crypto.com Arena since he was traded for Luka Dončić in February.
The Mavericks open a back-to-back in Los Angeles on Friday against the Lakers before facing the Clippers on Saturday. According to Kidd, Davis preferred to make his comeback against his former club.
Los Angeles enters the contest on a five-game winning streak and can clinch home-court advantage in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals with a victory.
Veteran forward LeBron James recently praised the offseason additions of Ayton, Smart and LaRavia, noting their toughness, playmaking and defensive impact, including Smart’s seven-steal performance earlier this season.
Source: Lakers Nation
