Lakers vs. Mavericks: Start time, TV schedule and game preview

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of their second four-game winning streak of the season, taking the show on the road for the final three games before the All-Streak break begins. Their first game is against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks.

Julius Randle played a tremendous game last time around, notching a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds in an overtime victory for the Lakers. Hopefully Randle’s feeling it again, surviving the trade deadline and returning home to Texas.

Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye are expected to be available to play their first game with the Lakers, pending results of routine physicals before the game. Lonzo Ball remains out, still yet to fully participate in practice. The closer we get to the All-Star break, the most likely it seems he may not play until after the festivities are wrapped up.

The biggest story is Thomas in the purple and gold for the first time. He’s had a nightmare season since his dream year with the Boston Celtics evaporated, and the hope has to be that he shakes some of that bad funk off in a new environment. He has a huge role to fill in the absence of Clarkson, whose scoring off the bench was instrumental in the Lakers’ upswing in recent weeks.

Frye’s place in lineup will be another interesting thing to watch. Larry Nance Jr. was a fixture in the frontcourt rotation, averaging 22 minutes per game. These things will all need some time to settle in, especially with Lonzo still out, but the first look is always fascinating.

Enjoy the game!

Time: 5: 30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet