GAME PREVIEW

Despite a Texas storm, the Lakers will play their third of an eight-game road trip in Dallas in their second matchup against the Mavericks this season. The Lakers beat the Mavs without Anthony Davis by 10 back in late Nov.

The Mavs are still without Davis this time, as he's got a second opinion on his finger and will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

The Lakers have lost six of their last nine games and are coming off a loss to the Clippers on Thursday after nearly climbing back from 26 points in the second half, while the Mavs are on a four-game win streak and are coming off an eight-point home win against the Warriors.

Dončić nearly single-handedly willed the Lakers' comeback behind his 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. notched his fifth triple-double of the season against the Nuggets, finishing with 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, while LeBron James had 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Dončić was asked about his second go-around against his former team in his first game this season in Dallas.

"Obviously it's always going to feel like home there," Dončić said. "I'll always appreciate those fans. I think we had a special bond."

The Lakers' second-half defense looked great for the third straight game, but this time a bad first half was too much to climb back from with the clock not on their side. Not only did the Lakers hold them to under 50 but also allowed just 10 points in the paint in the second half after the Clippers killed them inside with 32 first-half points in the paint.

The Lakers have had up-and-down showings despite players in and out of the lineup, especially without Austin Reaves, who was playing at an All-Star level before reaggravating his calf. They sit sixth in the West with a 26–17 record while having a 14-9 record on the road.

MAVERICKS

With Davis in and out of the lineup throughout the year, the Mavs have been led by No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who has looked more comfortable at the forward position than in the backcourt when the season started. In 42 games, the rookie has averaged 19 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Naji Marshall has also been impactful as the third leading scorer (14.5 ppg) on the team, leading the team with a season-high 30 points in their win over the Warriors on Thursday.

Former Laker Max Christie has not only been the Mavs' best sniper but also one of the most effective 3-point shooters in the NBA. Behind a career-high 45.1% from 3 this season, Christie is averaging 13 points in 41 games. He is second in the NBA in 3-point shooting among players that attempt at least five 3s a game.

The Lakers will be put to the test against a hot Mavs team that is 14-11 at home this season, and momentum has been strong in Dallas for the Lakers to get back in the much-needed win column.

NOTABLE OPPONENT RANKS AMONG THE NBA

The Clippers have the 27th-rated offense (110.5) and the 6th-rated defense (112.4) in the NBA. Here are their notable rankings this season:

Dallas currently sits:

23rd in points per game (114.4)
11th in FG% (47.4%)
25th in 3P% (34.4%)
5th in blocks (5.7)
Allow the lowest 3P% in the NBA (32.9%)
Allow the second-most offensive rebounds a game (12.3 a game)

INJURY REPORT

Lakers:

Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out

Nuggets:

Daniel Gafford (ankle): Out
Moussa Cisse (illness): Day-to-day
Anthony Davis (finger): Out

THREADS FOR THE GAME

The Lakers will wear their white unis on the road, while the Mavs will wear their classic green uniform.

NEXT MATCHUP

The Lakers will continue their eight-game road trip against the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

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