The Los Angeles Lakers (30-7) continue to roll as they battered the New York Knicks. Doing so, they remain the only team that is undefeated against teams under .500. This did not come without expense as they will possibly be without Anthony Davis for at least the next two games. AD is traveling with the team for the short road trip.
The Lakers will be flying to Dallas to take on the Mavericks (23-14) for their fourth meeting against the Texas team. LeBron James and company have two wins against them this season with one loss. LeBron and Davis combined for 36 points as they had plenty of support from their bench in a 108-95 win on December 29.
Dallas is not without their injury concerns. Kristaps Porzingis has not played since the Laker game, missing the last five games. The Mavericks have two wins and three losses in those five with his status uncertain for the Laker game.
Their other star, Luka Doncic has been on a tear in those five games. He has scored no fewer than 27 points while also averaging 11 rebounds and 11 assists in that span. The Lakers will have their hands full containing the Slovenian and his team. The Mavericks are first in offensive efficiency at 115.3, but 16th in defensive efficiency.
The Lakers have played without Davis before twice this season. Their first game, they won against the Warriors. Their second, they lost against the Pacers.
Without Davis, Kyle Kuzma may be getting the start. Although he is loved by most Laker fans, Kuzma has been the subject of trade rumors. Davis’s absence could give Kuzma more playing time to get him back into a groove he displayed in late December.
The Lakers will tip-off against the Mavericks at 6:45 PM in Dallas. Follow us at Lakers Outsiders on twitter for more updates.
