PREVIEW
Mavericks (0-1) at Los Angeles Lakers (0-1)
Time: 7 p.m., Friday
Place: Staples Center, Los Angeles
TV: ABC, ESPN
Radio: ESPN 103.3 FM
About the Mavericks: This is only the fourth time in their 41-year history that the Mavs have played a game on Christmas Day. The Mavs are 2-1 on Christmas Day. That includes road wins in 2003 against Sacramento (111-103) and in 2008 against Portland (102-94). In the one time they hosted a Christmas Day game in 2011, the Mavs lost to Miami, 105-94, a little over six months after they defeated the Heat in the NBA Finals. . .This is the second of a three-game road trip for the Mavs, who opened the regular season with Wednesday’s 106-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns. After today’s game, the Mavs will remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Sunday afternoon before returning to Dallas to play their home opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. . .Luka Doncic led the Mavs against the Suns with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Richardson and Jalen Brunson scored 12 points apiece against the Suns, Dorian Finney-Smith added 11 points, eight rebounds and two steals, and Maxi Kleber contributed 10 points. . .The Mavs were only 9-of-37 from 3-point range against the Suns, but their defense forced Phoenix into committing 18 turnovers.
About the Lakers: Prior to Tuesday’s 116-109 season-opening loss to the Clippers, the defending world champions received their gaudy rings for winning last season’s championship. LeBron James (22 points, five rebounds, five assists), Anthony Davis (18 points, seven rebounds), Montrezl Harrell (17 points, 10 rebounds), Kyle Kuzma (15 points) and Dennis Schroder (14 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists) were the top producers for the Lakers against the Clippers. . .The Boston Celtics and Lakers are now tied for winning the most NBA championships (17) in league history. . .The Lakers had arguably the best offseason in the NBA when they acquired Marc Gasol, Dennis Schroder, former Mavs guard Wesley Matthews and Harrell. . .On if Mavs are a big-time playoff threat, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said: “With Luka (Doncic) in his second year (last season) they basically posted an offensive rating that was the best rating in the history of the NBA. I would only imagine that in Year 3 (of Doncic’s career) that they’re even better. Obviously, they have one of the best coaches in the league (in Rick Carlisle), so I definitely consider them one of the top teams in the West.”
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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