Back when I was watching the Master 8 series I thought Malamar was a weird choice for Alain's league team. I've grown to really like Malamar a lot. I just think it's odd just compared to some of his other squad members like Tyranitar or that one broken Bisharp.
So I don't think it's likely but could this appearance in the anime be small a Easter egg/spoiler that Malamar was getting a mega evolution? Chestnaught on his team is also rumored/likely to receive a mega evolution. Again I think it's unlikely and just a coincidence but I just thought it was a neat coincidence
by OriginalName18