For the second time in three seasons the Lakers and Mavericks will face off on Christmas and there’s plenty of star-power on both rosters. But it’s not necessarily a meeting between Western Conference heavy hitters.
Dallas is clinging onto a play-in spot and a .500 record and Los Angeles is trying to fight its way up the standings just to catch the Mavs. L.A. will have to do so without Anthony Davis, who was on a tear before a foot injury sidelined him a week ago and is now out indefinitely.
The Lakers lost their last two ahead of a Friday night matchup with the Hornets at home.