Lakers Frustrate Mavericks in Another Road Win

LeBron James attempts a shot in the Los Angeles Lakers 129-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Image: © 2020 Miss Ari Photography

Dallas – Neither Luka Doncic nor the Dallas Mavericks could ever get on a real roll Friday night in a 129-114 losing effort against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shots weren’t falling, free throws were off and tempers definitely flared as the Mavericks lost their second consecutive game at home.  

James, who appeared to not be feeling well early in the game didn’t let that stop him from logging 35 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. While the Lakers were without Anthony Davis, a 26-point performance from Kyle Kuzma and 10 points from each Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard filled the gap.

The Mavericks were once again without Kristaps Porzingis, who is still sidelined with right knee soreness. The attention was definitely on Doncic and the expectation was that he would have a brilliant night scoring. That was simply not the case. After one of his missed free throws in the first half, a frustrated Doncic ripped his own jersey.

There were indeed questionable calls throughout the night - many in favor of Los Angeles; however, Dallas just did not score consistently. After two technical fouls, a frustrated Coach Rick Carlisle was ejected from the game.

Doncic did finish the night with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but never really found his offensive rhythm. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 22 points and big man Boban Marjanovic added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win Los Angeles improves to 31 – 7 and remains atop the Western Conference. The Mavericks fall to 23-15 and are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday evening.