Anthony Davis leaves Dallas Mavericks NBA debut with injury

Anthony Davis has scored 26 points with 12 rebounds in his Dallas Mavericks debut, but was forced to leave the game with an abdominal injury in the third quarter.

Why Luka Dončić trade is considered controversial

Luka Dončić's controversial move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers has shaken up the NBA's foundations. Here is why the stunning move has such widespread ramifications.

The Mavericks, who beat Houston Rockets 116-105 in Dallas, had acquired Davis in a league-shaking trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1.

Davis, who added seven assists and three blocks, left the game near the end of the third quarter after clutching at his lower abdomen.

One of the many criticisms of the trade was Davis's history of injuries.

The 31-year-old missed two games with the Lakers before the blockbuster deal because of an abdominal strain, and he sat out the same amount with the Mavericks after joining the team.

Meanwhile, Dončić watched the Lakers' game against Indiana Pacers from the sideline as he continues his recovery from a calf strain sustained in December.

The Slovenian star has participated in practice with his new team this week and is expected to make his Lakers debut against Utah Jazz on Tuesday AEDT.

LeBron James also sat out the Pacers game to rest his sore left ankle.

"Just a little bit of increased soreness on that foot after the other night," Lakers coach JJ Redick said about James's injury.

"Luka is progressing well, but we'll make that decision in real time on Monday."

Redick said he hoped to have James and Dončić in the Lakers' line-up to face the Jazz.

"I don't know why we wouldn't," he said.

"We're not trying to hold guys out."

The Lakers defeated the Pacers 124-117 in Los Angeles.

AP/Reuters