Anthony Davis Enters Mavericks Training Camp Heavier than Usual

Dallas, October 3, 2025

News Summary

Anthony Davis has arrived at the Dallas Mavericks training camp weighing 268 pounds, which is a notable increase from his previous season weight of 253 pounds. This weight gain has sparked public criticism and raised questions about his conditioning ahead of the season. Davis addressed the concerns by explaining his preference for starting camp heavier, as it allows him to lose weight during the season. Despite the criticism, he reported feeling good as he begins team practices. The Mavericks are counting on Davis’s ability to contribute significantly to a double-big lineup.

Dallas — Anthony Davis entered his first training camp with the Dallas Mavericks heavier than usual. He is listed at 268 pounds, which is 15 pounds more than his previous weight of 253 pounds before the last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The larger offseason build has generated public criticism, internal questions about conditioning, and renewed attention to his fit in Dallas ahead of the regular season.

Key facts and immediate context

Listed weight and public reaction: He is listed at 268 pounds, which is 15 pounds more than his previous weight of 253 pounds before the last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans and commentators raised concerns after a social media photo showed the player wearing new protective eyewear following offseason eye surgery, prompting discussion about his conditioning entering camp.

Response from the player: Davis attempted to address concerns by explaining his weight management strategy, indicating he prefers to start training camp heavier to allow for weight loss during the season. He typically plays at a weight of around 255-258 pounds during the regular season. The player also noted early camp activity led to initial weight loss and said he feels and moves well as he ramps into team practices.

Criticism from former players: Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins has notably criticized Davis, saying he should have arrived in shape and on a mission for the training camp. The criticism echoes previous public debates about the conditioning of other high-profile players.

Supporting details

Health and recent medical history: A photo posted on social media revealed Davis wearing new protective eyewear after offseason surgery on a detached retina. The surgery and subsequent recovery reduced available time for the player to follow his usual offseason conditioning routine.

Offseason factors: The lack of an Olympic run this summer and injury recovery has limited Davis’s ability to maintain his usual offseason conditioning. Without extra high-level competition over the summer, the player did not have the same in-season-style preparation that can help maintain playing weight and rhythm.

Role and team expectations: At 32 years old, this will be Davis’s 14th NBA season, and he has faced significant injuries in previous seasons, limiting his game appearances. The Mavericks are facing heightened expectations after a major roster change involving Luka Doncic, and the team is emphasizing a double-big lineup where Davis’s ability to stretch the floor by making three-point shots is crucial for the team’s offensive strategy. The player’s shooting ability from deep has been a point of discussion, and success in that area will influence the Mavericks’ offensive spacing and overall effectiveness.

Why weight and conditioning matter now

Coaching staff and fans are watching because the team’s planned lineup relies on spacing and mobility. If the player maintains the expected regular-season weight range and improves three-point consistency, the Mavericks can better execute the double-big lineup without sacrificing perimeter spacing. Conversely, persistent conditioning concerns or missed practice time because of lingering injury issues could limit minutes and on-court fit.

What the player says about progress

The player confirmed that early training-camp activity produced measurable weight loss and described feeling sharp enough in movement during practice sessions. He noted that his usual in-season playing weight historically falls between 255 and 258 pounds and framed the current approach as a managed strategy rather than a fixed offseason target.

Outlook

Coaches, teammates, and management will monitor the player’s conditioning through camp and preseason games. Practical indicators to watch include minutes logged in preseason, mobility in scrimmages, and early-season three-point shooting rates. The team’s broader ambitions and the strategic decision to use two bigs together mean the player’s availability, movement, and outside shooting will have direct consequences for how the offense looks when the regular season begins.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Dallas News: Mavericks Weight Gain
• NBA.com: Protective Eyewear Career
• The Smoking Cuban: Truth Behind Injury
• Lakers Nation: Trade for Luka Doncic
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Anthony Davis
• Wikipedia: Anthony Davis

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.