Preview: Lakers look to continue winning ways against Mavericks

Things are never easy in the NBA. After beating the Pacers by 22, the Lakers begin their three-game road trip in Dallas. The Lakers haven’t pulled off a win over the Mavericks since April of 2013. Kobe Bryant put up a triple-double as the Lakers celebrated a win and the retirement of Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey.The Lakers don’t have Bryant anymore. They’ll also have to survive without D’Angelo Russell after it was announced that he’ll miss a few weeks due to a variety of leg issues.

The Lakers don’t have Kobe Bryant anymore. They’ll also have to survive without D’Angelo Russell after it was announced that he’ll miss a few weeks due to a variety of leg issues.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, today will mark the return of Larry Nance, Jr. from a bone bruise that cost him a month of action. (h/t Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll)

Larry Nance Jr. is closer to a return pic.twitter.com/vEVsl0UgDt

— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) January 21, 2017

The Lakers do have a chance at victory tonight. The Mavericks are 14-29 and will be desperate to avoid a three-game losing streak. They’ll have to do so without the services of J.J. Berea or Andrew Bogut, a notable obstacle for a team that is last in the league in points per game and rebounds per game.

The Lakers will still have to watch out for Deron Williams today. Williams has reemerged as one of the better playmakers in the Association and the Lakers could have their hands full if Calderon or Williams is covering him all night.

A win today would not only prolong the hope of sneaking into the 8^th seed but it could serve as a major mental boost. The team generally hasn’t found success without Russell, putting up a 3-10 record without the young point guard. Figuring out how to win games without their best player could serve Los Angeles well in the long-term.

How to watch and/or listen:

When: Sunday, 12:30 p.m. PST

Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

TV: Spectrum SportsNet, Spectrum Deportes, Fox Sports Southwest

Online: NBA League Pass

Radio: 710 ESPN, 1330 KWKW, 1033 ESPN