Mavericks Coach Shades Anthony Davis on His Birthday—Says He’ll Never Be on Luka Dončić’s Level!

Mavericks Coach Sends Birthday Wishes to Anthony Davis—But Says He Still Can’t Match Luka Dončić’s Impact

Anthony Davis may have moved on from the Dallas Mavericks to join the Los Angeles Lakers, but that didn’t stop Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd from acknowledging his special day. Kidd took a moment to wish Davis a happy birthday, showing respect for the star big man. However, his comments quickly turned into an honest assessment of Davis’ performance since leaving the team—especially in comparison to Luka Dončić.

Davis vs. Dončić: A Clear Gap?

While Davis remains one of the league’s most dominant big men, his time with the Lakers has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. Kidd, who coached Davis briefly in Dallas, acknowledged his talent but made it clear that he doesn’t believe Davis has lived up to the impact that Luka Dončić brings to the game.

*”AD is a great player, no doubt,”* Kidd said. *”But when you look at what Luka has done—not just for the Mavericks, but for the league—he’s on another level. He controls the game in a way very few players can.”*

Dončić, now the undisputed face of the Mavericks, has continued to elevate his play, leading the team deep into playoff contention and putting up MVP-caliber numbers. Davis, meanwhile, has faced challenges staying on the court and consistently dominating the way many expected after he teamed up with LeBron James in Los Angeles.

Lakers’ Struggles Highlight the Difference

The Lakers have had their ups and downs this season, and while Davis has had strong performances, he has yet to fully take over as the franchise’s leader when LeBron isn’t available. Kidd pointed out that this is where Dončić separates himself from the rest.

*”Luka doesn’t just put up numbers—he makes everyone around him better,”* Kidd continued. *”When he’s on the floor, you know the Mavericks always have a chance to win, no matter who we’re playing.”*

While the comments weren’t necessarily a direct shot at Davis, they did highlight the ongoing debate about whether AD has truly lived up to expectations as a superstar.

A Birthday Message with a Hidden Message?

Kidd’s remarks may have started as a friendly birthday wish, but they ended as a subtle reminder of what the Mavericks have built around Dončić—and what Davis still needs to prove in Los Angeles. As the Lakers fight to stay in playoff contention, Davis will need to show that he can lead the team beyond just moments of brilliance.

For now, the comparison remains clear: Dončić continues to shine as one of the NBA’s most dominant forces, while Davis still has something to prove.