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The Los Angeles Lakers (32-41) are back at home after spending the last eight days on the road to host the Dallas Mavericks (23-51) in what will be their final meeting of the season.
Before the season started, the Mavs had won each of their last 14 games against the Lakers. That streak ended on January 13, when the Lakers beat the Mavericks 107-101 in overtime at American Airlines Center.
Leading the way for Los Angeles that night was none other than Dallas native Julius Randle, who has played some of his best basketball against his hometown team this season. In their last three meetings, Randle has bullied the Mavericks, averaging 22.3 points, 12 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. He even recorded his lone triple-double of the season against Dallas in their last matchup.
Needles to say, he really likes playing against guys with “Dallas” on the front of their jerseys and unfortunately for the Mavericks, he is the meanest he has ever been.
In his last eight games, Randle has put up at least 20 points and 9 rebounds. Per Lakers media relations, Pau Gasol and Shaquille O’Neal are the only other Lakers to have consecutive games with at least 20 points and 9 rebounds.
Remember when the front office made Randle available in trade talks? Good times.
The Lakers will need all they can get from Randle, as they’ll head into Wednesday’s game shorthanded once again, but not as banged up as they have been in their last few games.
While Isaiah Thomas (hip), Josh Hart (hand) are still out, Brandon Ingram will play on a minutes restriction on Monday. Ingram has missed close to four weeks nursing a groin strain. The Lakers will also have Alex Caruso, who was called up from the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday.
For the Mavericks, J.J. Barea (personal) will be unavailable. Dwight Powell is questionable.
In their last meeting, the Lakers dominated the Mavericks on the boards 62-26 and got whatever they wanted in the paint, outscoring Dallas 62-26. Expect more of the same with Randle and Brook Lopez playing some of their best basketball together this month.
They also had success in transition against the Mavericks, something that will likely continue on Wednesday as Lonzo Ball tries to build on his promising performance on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. Dallas is playing on the second night of a back-to-back, so that could play a factor as well.
Enjoy the game!
Time: 7:30 PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet