Mavericks star Kyrie Irving missed the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. Irving went down early in the team's 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Irving was driving to the hoop late in the first quarter at the American Airlines Center when his left knee bent awkwardly as he attempted a layup.

LOS ANGELES — Anthony Davis had a choice: Return from a one-month absence Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers’ high-powered offense or return Saturday against the LA Clippers, one of the NBA’s oldest and most disappointing teams.

On Friday, Luka Dončić took on the Mavericks for the third time since they shockingly traded him to the Lakers last February. This game marked the first time that Dončić faced his heir apparent in Dallas, rookie Cooper Flagg.

The Lakers will advance to the knockout round as the No. 2 seed in the West, facing the No. 3 seed San Antonio Spurs.

Anthony Davis made his long-awaited return to Crypto.com Arena on Friday night, as he starred for the Dallas Mavericks against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time since the infamous Luka Dončić trade.