The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of history in Dallas and most of it is good. As the two teams face off on Tuesday night, the Lakers will be looking for their sixth-straight regular season win over the Mavericks. Los Angeles has an NBA-best 8-2 record in Dallas since March of 2008 and look to continue to win streak against their Western Conference rivals.
The issue will be the Kobe Bryant factor. The veteran was active during all of those wins, but will not be Tuesday night as he remains out with an Achilles injury. Los Angeles is 2-2 to start the year after a last-second win over the Atlanta Hawks.The night was highlighted by Xavier Henry who made his debut with 18 points as a first-time starter. Through four games, he is averaging 14.3 points per game as Gasol leads the Lakers with 15.8 points.
The Mavericks have been on a scoring roll to start the year, averaging 111.3 points per game as they are 2-1. The team went 40-of-46 at the free throw line against the Memphis Grizzlies, furthering their impressive start. Six players have reach double figures in points, all averaging 23.3 points per game. The issue is the Mavericks' defense which is allowing 107.0 points per game, higher than their 101.7 average last season.
The Mavericks struggles against the Lakers are well documented. The team has not reached over 100 points in their last five games against the team. The Lakers have held them to 92.6 points per game, something the team hopes to change with Bryant not playing.
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