Dallas Mavericks Drop 116-110 Decision To Los Angeles Lakers
The Dallas Mavericks welcomed the Los Angeles Lakers to the American Airlines Center on Saturday night. However, the pleasantries were short-lived. The Lakers defeated the Mavericks 116-110 on the Mavericks’ Hardwood Classic Night. Los Angeles improved to 27-17, while Dallas fell to 19-27.
In case you missed it, Dallas defeated Golden State 123-115 at the American Airlines Center on Thursday. Naji Marshall led the Mavs with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Marshall tied his season high with 30 points, 10-of-12 from the field, along with 7 rebounds and 9 assists. He joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic as the only players in the last three seasons to record the 30-7-9 stat line on over 80% shooting from the field.
Max Christie recorded 21 points for his third consecutive 20-point game, the first time in his career to record such a streak. Converting 5-of-12 from deep, Christie also recorded back-to-back games with 5+ three-pointers for the first time in his career. Christie’s 16-of-28 from deep over his last three games included 13-of-22 from distance over his last two games.
Both L.A. teams played on Thursday, but the Clippers defeated the Lakers at the Intuit Dome. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Luka Doncic led the Lake Show with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Starters
The Mavericks came in hot, entering Saturday’s game against the Lakers. Dallas has won five of its last six games.
The Lakers entered the game with firepower. Jake LaRavia currently ranks 10th in the NBA with 141 total deflections this season. Previously, Doncic scored 45 points, along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists, at the American Airlines Center last April. Doncic also had 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Lakers’ 129-119 win on Nov. 28, 2025.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Christie, Marshall, Cooper Flagg, Caleb Martin, and Dwight Powell. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), and Anthony Davis (finger). Dallas listed Moussa Cisse (illness) as day-to-day.
Los Angeles’ starting lineup featured LaRavia, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Doncic. Los Angeles ruled out Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 calf strain). L.A. sported their “Association Edition” jerseys.
Mavericks vs. Lakers Recap
Saturday’s game showcased a budding rivalry between the Mavericks and Lakers. Since the controversial trade of Doncic to Los Angeles, Dallas has gotten tons of flak, which partially contributed to the high-stakes matchups between the two teams. Dallas aired a tribute video for Maxi Kleber before tip-off.
Both teams exchanged field goals to open the first quarter. Both teams’ efforts were on full display, with the constant exchanging of leads and ties. Christie nailed three-pointers. Doncic found LaRavia, who finished the throw-ahead pass, before the Lakers’ shooting from deep skyrocketed. Los Angeles took a 37-28 lead to end the first.
Both teams shrugged off a slow start in the second quarter. Ryan Nembhard found Christie, who finished the three-pointer. Doncic became the youngest player in NBA history to hit 1,500 three-pointers. The Mavs picked up the pace but failed to contain the Lakers’ shooting from the field. Los Angeles took a 65-52 lead into halftime.
Both teams jumped out to a fast start to open the third quarter. The Mavs went on a 10-0 run before Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick called a timeout. Marshall got buckets in the paint. Flagg found Christie, who finished the three-pointer. The Mavs’ 16-0 run helped them take the lead. Dallas took an 87-79 lead through three quarters.
The Mavs’ defense shone in the fourth quarter. Caleb Martin nailed a three-pointer. The Lakers’ comeback attempt, a 10-1 run, cut the Mavs’ advantage to single digits. The Lakers took a late three-point lead. Los Angeles won 116-110 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Mavericks hit the road for a one-game tilt at the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Central. The Mavs’ resilience and strength in recent games amid all the injuries can lead to effective competition against the Bucks, along with a potential win on the road.
The Lakers continue the eight-game road trip at the Chicago Bulls on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central.
