Lakers vs. Mavericks preview: The final week of the regular season is here

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the final week of the season with a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. This is one of the final two Lakers game in Downtown Los Angeles this season, and we are down to the final three games of the season. Time flies when you're having fun.... or something.

The Lakers will get an up-close look at Rajon Rondo one more time before he heads into the playoffs, followed by his much-talked-about free agency. Rondo has attributed to the Mavericks' up-and-down season, but he also shouldn't be considered the only reason Dallas never quite got things right through the second half of the season.

Jordan Clarkson will try his hand at another veteran point guard, and one that could actually have his eye on starting next to Kobe Bryant next season. Maybe Jordan will go out and try to hammer home that the Lakers' point guard needs can be solved by staying patient and continuing to develop him. It's a reason to watch, at least.

The Mavericks aren't playing for much at this point in the season, locked into the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Rick Carlisle will likely keep a close eye on minutes, keeping his team engaged but not pushing too hard leading into the postseason. Could the Lakers squeak in another late-season win? Luckily it doesn't matter at this point.

Enjoy the game, and the final week of this crazy season.

Time: 6:30 p.m. PT

Station: NBATV