The Dallas Mavericks (5-14) are in Los Angeles on Friday night for their first game in a West Coast swing as they play the Lakers (13-4). It will be Dallas’ first game since Monday and Los Angeles’ first game since Tuesday, meaning both teams will be fully rested and ready to go.

These two teams will be tied together until the end of time, from the Luka Doncic trade to the sweep that retired Phil Jackson in 2011. Friday will not be at the top of the list of their most important matchups, but every time they meet, it is a sight to see. The Lakers are punching down this time around, with second-place Los Angeles looking to avoid disaster against second-to-last-place Dallas.

The Lakers are very top-heavy. Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves complete a trio that carries their supporting

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