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Mavs' Kyrie Irving Replaces Injured Anthony Davis in 2025 NBA All-Star Game

Feb 10, 2025

Kyrie Irving will replace injured Dallas Mavericks teammate Anthony Davis in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

Davis will sit out the competition with a left abductor strain, according to the league.

This marks Irving's ninth career All-Star nomination, and his first since 2023.

The NBA All-Star Game is set to take place at 8 p.m. ET this Sunday in Indianapolis.

Davis was named to the Western Conference All-Star roster days before the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dončić.

However, he is now set to miss "multiple weeks" after suffering the abductor injury during his Saturday Mavericks debut, according to ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon.

Although Davis downplayed his injury Saturday, Charania and MacMahon report he could miss up to a month.

Davis was dominant prior to his injury, putting up 26 points and 16 rebounds in just 31 minutes prior to leaving Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. His absence is a major blow for a Mavericks team looking for him to replace Dončić's production.

The only positive for Mavericks fans will be the opportunity to see Irving once more recognized in the All-Star Game. He's been putting up 24.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while managing a back injury and filling in for Dončić, who has not played for the Mavs since suffering his own injury in December.

In part because of that injury, Dončić will not be playing at the All-Star Game for the first time since his rookie 2018-19 season. The Lakers will be represented by 21-time All-Star LeBron James.

One notable name left off the Western Conference All-Star roster is Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging a career-high 20.5 points and NBA-high 14.3 rebounds per game for the Sacramento Kings.

Irving is the second replacement named to the 2025 All-Star roster. The Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young was named to the Eastern Conference roster in place of injured Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier Monday.

Anthony Davis, Giannis Out for NBA All-Star Game; Silver to Name Injury Replacements

Feb 9, 2025
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

NBA All-Star Weekend has lost two of its biggest stars.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis and Milwaukee Bucks foward Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the All-Star game due to injuries. Haynes added that NBA commissioner Adam Silver will select the injury replacements.

Anthony Davis is dealing with an adductor strain that he sustained in his debut game with the Mavericks on Saturday. Antetokounmpo is out due to a calf strain.

Davis was traded to the Mavericks last week from the Los Angeles Lakers and had 26 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes prior to exiting Dallas' 116-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. On the season, Davis has averaged 25.7 points, 12 rebounds. 3.4 assists and 2.2 blocks in 43 games.

Antetokounmpo has been out since Feb. 2 with the calf strain and is expected to return to action shortly after the All-Star break. He has averaged 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 41 games.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for Feb 14-15 in San Francisco, California.

Anthony Davis Out for Mavs vs. Kings with Adductor Injury After Lakers Trade

Feb 9, 2025
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 8:  Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 8, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 8: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 8, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks will have to wait until at least Wednesday to see Anthony Davis return for a second game.

Davis has been ruled out for Monday's home game against the Sacramento Kings.

Davis exited in the third quarter of his Saturday Mavericks debut with a lower-body injury, which he later identified as tightness around his groin and quadriceps.

He is out with a left abductor strain, according to the team.

"Leg got tight, like a little spasm," Davis told reporters after Saturday's game, explaining that he "tried to get it loose" because of his previous experience with an abdominal strain.

Davis added: "It's nothing serious, I'm fine."

Davis previously suffered an abdominal muscle strain while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 28.

He missed three games with the Lakers prior to the blockbuster trade that sent him to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić, then sat out his first two contests as a Maverick with the injury.

Davis returned Saturday to make his Mavericks debut against the Houston Rockets, where he dominated with 25 points and 16 rebounds in 31 minutes prior to his injury.

After dealing with injury issues throughout his 13-year career, Davis played a career-high 76 games for the Lakers last season.

After making a major bet on Davis by sending out their 25-year-old superstar in order to acquire him from the Lakers, the Mavericks are hoping the 31-year-old will be available to lead the team down the stretch.

The Mavericks spend the rest of the week at home, facing the Golden State Warriors Wednesday before taking on the Miami Heat the following night.

If Davis is forced to miss more time with his latest injury, the team will at least hope he is able to return after the All-Star break when the Mavs return to action on Feb. 21.

NBA Rumors: Mark Cuban 'urged' Mavs GM Not to Trade Luka Dončić Before Lakers Deal

Feb 9, 2025

Mark Cuban once called the shots for the Dallas Mavericks as the majority owner, but he had no say in one of the biggest decisions the team has ever made.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Cuban "urged" Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison not to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. According to Stein, Cuban's pleading with Harrison came too late.

"By the time Cuban found out about the Luka-for-AD trade, it was too late," Stein wrote. "[Patrick] Dumont never approached for advice. Sources say Cuban urged Harrison not to go ahead with the swap ... only to find out that the deal had already been sealed with the Lakers by verbal handshake."

Cuban owned the majority of the Mavericks organization from 2000 until November 2023, when he sold his 73 percent stake. When he sold the team, he did so with the belief that he could still be a part of decisions like that which sent Dončić to Los Angeles.

According to Stein, being out of the loop on the Dončić deal hurt Cuban.

"In truth he has clearly been stung, league sources say, by the lack of advance warning he had on the deal — yet another harsh signal that he has been pushed farther and farther away from the front office than he ever imagined after his very public belief at the time of the sale of the team in November 2023 that he would retain oversight of basketball operations," Stein wrote.

Per Stein, Cuban was "forbidden this season by the NBA to take his customary seat behind the Mavericks' bench at road games." Cuban also told Stein in November that "he did not have the say-so over basketball matters that he anticipated when the sale was agreed to with the Adelson and Dumont families."

The Mavericks trading Dončić to the Lakers last week was one of the most surprising moves in NBA history. While Dallas got an outstanding player and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Davis, it costs the Mavs the face of their franchise who led them to the NBA Finals just one season ago.

The decision was understandably met with frustration by fans.

The trade could end up working out in the Mavericks' favor, but for now, Cuban and Dallas fans alike remain shocked.

Patrick Dumont: 'luka Is a Mav for Life' After Trade and Team Isn't Moving to Vegas

Feb 9, 2025
Los Angeles, California February 6, 2025-Lakers Luka Doncic watches the game from the bench during a game with the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, California February 6, 2025-Lakers Luka Doncic watches the game from the bench during a game with the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont expressed his support for Luka Dončić following the superstar forward's surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

"He's an electrifying player," Dumont told Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (h/t Hoopsrumors.com). "I want you to know I really sympathize with all of our fans who feel hurt. Look, as far as I'm concerned, Luka is a Mav for life and I really wish him nothing but happiness and success in his career as he continues in LA."

He also confirmed that the Mavericks aren't targeting a potential move to Las Vegas.

"The Dallas Mavericks are not moving to Las Vegas," Dumont said. "There is no question that, that is the answer unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks and they will be in Dallas."


This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app, homepage and social feeds—including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Ja Morant's Dad Tee Ejected for 'Disrespectful' Comments About NBA Refs During Game

Feb 9, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 9:  Tee Morant (Ja Morants father) and Mike Miller watch the game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies on January  9, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 9: Tee Morant (Ja Morants father) and Mike Miller watch the game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies on January 9, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)

The father of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was ejected from the stands during the team's 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.

Crew chief Josh Tiven said in the postgame pool report that Tee Morant made "very specific, overtly disrespectful comments" regarding "the integrity of the game."

"The fan continued to repeat overtly disrespectful comments about the integrity of the officiating crew, so as the Crew Chief I approached security and asked that he be removed," Tiven said.

Ja Morant told reporters he was unsure of what led to his father's ejection and said Tee "probably got kicked out so I didn't" receive an ejection. The two-time All-Star added his dad was "probably complaining about something to the ref."

Ja might have a long memory.

In a loss to the Thunder in December 2022, Morant picked up a pair of technical fouls inside the final minute of the first half and earned a one-way trip to the locker room.

Ray Acosta was one of the officials for that game, and Acosta also worked Saturday's contest.

While it appears the Morants weren't happy with the refs' performance in the Grizzlies' defeat, Oklahoma City was whistled for more fouls (27) than Memphis (21), and the Grizzlies had a significant advantage in foul shots. They went 28-of-39 from the charity stripe compared to 17-of-21 for the Thunder.

Video: Anthony Davis Gets Luka Dončić's Mavs Locker After Lakers Trade

Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, it was only fitting that Davis also took over Dončić's locker upon his arrival in Dallas.

https://twitter.com/DorothyJGentry/status/1888366980287135813

One week ago, Dallas' golden boy was traded away in exchange for the 6'7" power forward. Along with Davis, the Lakers received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. In return, the Mavericks acquired Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz, also involved in the deal, received Jalen Hood-Schifino and multiple draft picks.

The trade sent shock waves through the NBA world, as negotiations were conducted entirely behind closed doors. While Mavericks fans have voiced their frustration, Davis has focused on making the best of the situation.

"I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city," Davis told reporters. "I'm never going to downplay that. Just how I know what I meant to the city of LA. So I'm not surprised by the fans' reaction and the city's reaction. It's my job to come in and play basketball and do what I'm supposed to do and give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here.

After being traded for the 25-year-old star who was averaging 28.1 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting, Davis viewed the move as a compliment from the Dallas organization.

"I understand who Luka is and what he is able to do and what he has already done for our game. He's a phenomenal player. Going to be one of the best to ever play the game of basketball," Davis continued. "To have Nico trade for me just shows his belief in what I can do on the floor, and it's my job to produce every night."

As fans continue to push back against the franchise following the trade, Davis was unsure how they would react to his home debut on Saturday. He put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists before exiting in the third quarter with a non-contact injury.

"I don't know how (Saturday's) going to be as far as the reaction," Davis told reporters. "I can't control that. Obviously it was a tough transition. It was a shock to all. My job is to come in and win basketball games."

Following the game, Davis said that he felt a "little spasm" in his groin/quad area but that the injury is "nothing serious," per NBA insider Marc Stein.

Jason Kidd: 'It Was Weird' Playing Without Luka Dončić After Mavs' Trade with Lakers

Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and head coach Jason Kidd talk on  as the Mavericks take on the Denver Nuggets in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and head coach Jason Kidd talk on as the Mavericks take on the Denver Nuggets in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says it's been "weird" to play without Luka Dončić since the guard's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although Dončić had not played for the Mavs since Dec. 25, the star remained with the team until the Feb. 1 deal that saw him and Anthony Davis swap places.

"Everybody wants to talk about the trade. Yeah, it's different. We gotta keep pushing forward," Kidd said Saturday. "It was weird, but understanding logistics of basketball, it happens. You've got to play the game."

The Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 116-105 Saturday in Davis' debut with the team. Davis left the win early with a lower-body injury.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said in his initial press conference after the Dončić trade that Kidd had not found out about the deal until it happened.

"But J-Kidd and I are aligned, and we talk about archetypes, and we talk about the culture that we want to create, so I know the kind of players that he likes without actually talking to him," Harrison said.

Kidd, who was sitting beside Harrison, said he agreed they were aligned while adding he had been "blessed" to spend three and a half seasons coaching Dončić.

"Luka, when I first came here, excited about the opportunity to coach an upcoming star who became a mega-star, and I was just blessed to have that opportunity to coach him," Kidd said. "But when you look at the vision of the team, and what Nico wants to build, I truly support that."

The Mavs are 2-2 since the trade, including consecutive victories over the defending champion Boston Celtics and the skidding Rockets.

Davis' injury raises some concern as to whether the Mavericks can build on that momentum going forward. He went down with an apparent non-contact injury in the third quarter and did not return to the game.

Dončić is meanwhile expected to make his Lakers debut on Monday. LeBron James has been sidelined this weekend with an ankle injury, but if he is able to return, the two stars could play together against the Indiana Pacers.

Kidd and Dončić could be reunited later this month when the Mavs travel to Los Angeles for Feb. 25 road game.

Lakers' Rob Pelinka, Mavs' Harrison Appear to Talk Luka Dončić Trade in Viral Photo

Feb 7, 2025
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 26: General Manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks talks to the press on June 26, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 26: General Manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks talks to the press on June 26, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)

A Dallas local appears to have captured a photo of the conversation during which Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison first discussed trading Luka Dončić with Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

Dallas news station WFAA shared the image in a Friday report.

The photo was taken by Dallas resident Asad Munir on January 7 at Ascension Coffee in a Dallas hotel lobby, according to credit card statements and metadata reviewed by WFAA.

The photographer is a Lakers fan who told WFAA reporters Jason Trahan, Paul Livengood and Matt Howerton he took the photo because he recognized Pelinka, although he didn't know at the time who Harrison was.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon previously reported Harrison invited Pelinka to that same coffee shop in order to "begin" trade talks.

Those talks culminated one month later in the three-team trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis to Dallas.

Harrison also mentioned the coffee shop meeting in his first press conference following the Dončić trade.

"It started out as a coffee, that was more, 'Hey, would you ever?' 'I don't know, would I? Let me think,'" Harrison said. "And then it built upon that, and we kept it between us. We had to. We had to keep it tight."

Harrison was not present at the Friday press conference during which Davis was introduced to Mavericks fans.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Friday on NBA Today that Harrison has received "death threats" and "racial epithets" since the trade.

The Mavericks are set to play at American Airlines Center for the first time since the trade with a Saturday afternoon contest against the Houston Rockets. Harrison will not be sitting in the stands at the game, according to MacMahon.

Davis, who said Friday he sees his job as giving fans "hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here," is set to make his Mavericks debut against the Rockets.

The Lakers are meanwhile "targeting" Monday's home game against the Utah Jazz for Dončić's first game in Los Angeles, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported Thursday. Dončić's return will mark his first time playing since he was injured in his final game with the Mavericks on Christmas Day.

Anthony Davis Aims to 'Give the City Life Back' After Mavs-Lakers Luka Dončić Trade

Feb 7, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the first half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the first half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Anthony Davis is focused on reinvigorating the Dallas Mavericks following his surprising trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I'm gonna give the city life back," Davis said at his introductory press conference on Friday. "Obviously it's a tough transition. It was a shock to all. But like I said, my job is to come in and play basketball and win basketball games."

Davis was dealt to the Mavericks in a blockbuster three-team swap headlined by Luka Dončić joining Los Angeles.

The former Laker admitted that he was "shocked at first," but grew more comfortable as he met his new teammates.

"When that ball's tipped up for the opening tip, I'll be fine," Davis said. "I think mentally, now just being around the guys and having a chance to be on the court a couple days. You know, hanging out with the guys, laughing and joking. I'm in a great place."


This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app, homepage and social feeds—including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.