The Los Angeles Lakers entered the All-Star break on a high note Thursday night, defeating the short-handed Dallas Mavericks 124-104 at Crypto.com Arena.
Key moment: LeBron James, 41, finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, surpassing former Laker Karl Malone as the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
Fast start, quick response
James opened the game with three consecutive assists to Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura, then knocked down back-to-back three-pointers for a 14-4 Lakers edge. Dallas answered with a 12-2 run, and Los Angeles carried a 36-31 lead into the second quarter.
First-half swings
An 11-0 Lakers burst early in the second period briefly pushed the margin into double digits, but the Mavericks closed the half on a strong stretch to trail by just one, 64-63, at intermission.
Lakers pull away
Triples from Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber helped Los Angeles rebuild its advantage in the third quarter. The Mavericks went cold, and a 15-3 spurt to end the period gave the Lakers a 96-82 cushion.
Closing the door
Six straight points by James to open the fourth quarter widened the gap to 20. Dallas briefly cut the deficit with an 8-0 run, but Austin Reaves responded with a three-point play followed by a three-pointer, ending any comeback hopes.
Injury notes
Dallas remained without Luka Doncic, who missed his fourth consecutive game with a hamstring injury, as well as rookie Cooper Flagg and additional rotation players.
Standings and what’s next
The victory moved Los Angeles to 33-21. The Lakers are off until next Friday, when they host the L.A. Clippers at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
