Anthony Davis leaves Dallas Mavericks NBA debut with injury

Anthony Davis delivered a strong performance in his debut for the Dallas Mavericks, contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds. However, his departure in the third quarter due to an abdominal injury cast a shadow over the team's victory.

The Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 116-105, a victory that came on the heels of a blockbuster trade they had made previously. The Mavericks acquired Davis in exchange for Luka Dončić, who was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that shocked the league on February 1st.

In addition to his points and rebounds, Davis also contributed 7 assists and 3 blocks. He left the game late in the third quarter clutching his lower abdomen, raising concerns about his injury history. One of the major criticisms of the trade beforehand was Davis's frequent injury issues.

The 31-year-old star had missed two games for the Lakers before the trade due to an abdominal strain, and he also missed two games for the Mavericks for the same reason after joining the team. Meanwhile, Dončić sat courtside during the Lakers' game against the Indiana Pacers, as he is still recovering from a calf strain he suffered in December.

The Slovenian star has participated in practice with his new team this week and is expected to make his Lakers debut in the game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Eastern Australian Time. LeBron James also missed the game against the Pacers due to soreness in his left ankle. Lakers coach JJ Redick said of James' injury: "His foot was a little more sore after the other night."

Redick stated, "Luka is progressing well in his recovery, but we will make a real-time decision on Monday." He is hopeful that both James and Dončić will be in the Lakers' lineup against the Jazz. "I don't know why we wouldn't," he said. "We're not holding guys out on purpose." Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Pacers 124-117 in Los Angeles.