Davis anchors Mavericks as Lakers add Ayton and Hayes

Eight months after the blockbuster midseason swap that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and brought Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, both franchises enter training camp navigating new roles, lingering questions and early health updates that will shape their seasons. Davis arrived in Dallas preparing to be a focal point on both ends of the floor, Lakers guard Austin Reaves is entering a contract year after turning down an extension and adjusting to a reconfigured roster, and the Lakers have shuffled their frontcourt rotation with the addition of Deandre Ayton and a repositioned Jaxson Hayes.

Davis is expected to play a central offensive and defensive role for the Mavericks while wearing protective eyewear after offseason eye surgery. Coach Jason Kidd described new offensive concepts that place Davis in more varied spots on the floor, saying Davis will not always be stationed down low and highlighting his ability to shoot, playmake and operate in dribble handoffs. Dallas has also said the intent is to use Davis in a way similar to high-usage big men who facilitate offense from multiple areas rather than solely as a post presence.