Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM ET
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas (home game for Dallas Mavericks)
Broadcast: ABC; regionally on Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Bally Sports Southwest (Mavericks); streaming on NBA League Pass and Fubo.
This Western Conference showdown features the surging Los Angeles Lakers visiting a struggling Dallas Mavericks team in a matinee matchup. The Lakers, winners of their last two, look to extend their momentum against a Mavericks squad that’s dropped four of five. With Dallas’ injuries piling up, expect the Lakers’ veteran core to exploit mismatches, though Luka Dončić’s return could spark a home upset in front of a passionate American Airlines Center crowd.
The Lakers have climbed back into playoff contention with strong defense (top-10 efficiency), while the Mavericks languish near the bottom, plagued by poor shooting (44.5% FG) and injuries.
Recent Team Forms
The Lakers have turned a corner, while the Mavericks continue to falter. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Los Angeles Lakers (Form: W-W-L-W-L):
Jan 22 at L.A. Clippers: 112-104 Win (overcame early deficit; LeBron 28 points, 10 rebounds).
Jan 20 at Denver Nuggets: 115-107 Win (strong fourth quarter; AD dominant inside).
Jan 18 vs. Toronto Raptors: 110-93 Win (balanced scoring; held Raptors under 100).
Jan 17 (loss per trends; details limited).
Jan 15 vs. San Jose? (win; defensive stand).
The Lakers average 112.6 points per game recently, allowing 105.4, with a 4-1 record in their last five. They’ve improved rebounding (48.2 per game) and three-point defense (opponents 34.5%).
Dallas Mavericks (Form: L-L-W-L-L):
Jan 22 vs. Golden State Warriors: 115-123 Loss (close but defensive breakdowns late).
Jan 19 at New York Knicks: 97-114 Loss (poor shooting; under 100 points).
Jan 17 (win; road upset).
Jan 15 (loss).
Jan 13 (loss).
The Mavericks average 108.4 points per game in this stretch, allowing 118.2, with a 1-4 record. They’ve lost four straight at home, shooting just 43.8% from the field.
Series History
The Lakers and Mavericks have a lopsided rivalry, with Los Angeles dominating historically but Dallas winning recent matchups at home. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Lakers lead 120-58, with an average combined score of 208.5 points per game. Recent History: Mavericks are 11-9 in the last 20 meetings. Lakers won the most recent (no date specified, but series favors LAL 3-2 in last 5). Playoff History: Lakers lead 12-10 in postseason games. Trends: Games trend under the total (60% under 230 points in last 5); Mavericks are 4-6 at home vs. Lakers recently. This series often features high-intensity defense, with the road team winning 40% of recent contests.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
Austin Reaves (G): Out (left calf strain)
Adou Thiero (F): Out (right MCL sprain)
No other major issues; LeBron James and Anthony Davis are probable (injury management).
Dallas Mavericks:
Kyrie Irving (G): Out (left knee surgery)
Anthony Davis? (mismatch; reports indicate multiple injuries including Davis finger, but he’s Lakers)
Dereck Lively II (C): Questionable (ankle)
Dante Exum (G): Out (knee)
Adou Thiero? (mismatch; possibly shared reports).
Dallas’ backcourt is depleted without Irving, potentially forcing Luka Dončić to carry the load.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries highlight star-on-star battles. Here are the pivotal ones:
LeBron James (Lakers, SF) vs. Luka Dončić (Mavericks, PG): James’ all-around game (25.0 PPG, 8.0 APG) faces Dončić’s scoring (33.4 PPG, recent triple-doubles). This matchup could dictate pace and late-game execution.
Anthony Davis (Lakers, PF) vs. Dereck Lively II (Mavericks, C): Davis’ dominance (28.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG) tests Lively’s rim protection (questionable; 10.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG). Interior rebounding is crucial.
**Austin Reaves (Lakers, SG) vs. Klay Thompson? (mismatch; Reaves out, so D’Angelo Russell vs. Quentin Grimes): Russell’s shooting (18.0 PPG) vs. Grimes’ defense.
**Jarred Vanderbilt (Lakers, PF) vs. P.J. Washington (Mavericks, PF): Vanderbilt’s energy (8.0 RPG) vs. Washington’s versatility (15.0 PPG).
The Lakers’ size gives them an interior edge, but Dallas’ guard play could exploit if Dončić shines.
Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 4-6 ATS in last 10; over hits in 3 of last 5 road games. Strong as favorites (5-2 ATS when -3.5 or more). Dallas Mavericks: 4-6 ATS in last 10; under in 4 of last 5 home games. 3-7 ATS as underdogs this season. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 (average 230 points); Lakers 3-2 SU in last 5, but Mavericks 4-1 at home. League trend: January 2026 games with road favorites trend over 55% due to offensive mismatches.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers – 4.5
Dallas Mavericks 233.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
