The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Dallas Mavericks Thursday night without star guard Luka Dončić, who has been ruled out with a left hamstring strain. The Mavericks are also uncertain about the availability of promising rookie Cooper Flagg, listed as doubtful due to a left midfoot sprain. This game marks the final matchup between the teams before the NBA All-Star break and presents a crucial challenge for both sides amid injury concerns.
Luka Dončić’s Absence Leaves a Big Void for the Lakers
Luka Dončić, 26, has been a dominant force for the Lakers this season, averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists over 42 games. He ranks first in the NBA in scoring and is among the top players for assists and three-point shooting, making 3.5 triples per contest at a 47.3% field goal clip. Dončić’s proven ability to impact games against Dallas is significant, given his average of 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in four career matchups versus the Mavericks.
Despite Dončić’s unavailability, the Lakers hold a 32-21 record and currently lead the season series 2-0 against Dallas. Their recent victory on January 24 saw Dončić put up 33 points alongside 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton remains questionable due to right knee soreness, further testing the Lakers’ depth.
Uncertainty Surrounds Cooper Flagg’s Condition After Recent Defeat
The Dallas Mavericks enter the game with a 19-34 record, reeling from a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns that extended their losing streak to eight games, matching the franchise’s longest skid since 2016. Cooper Flagg’s health is a central concern, as he was seen icing his injured foot following the Phoenix loss, indicating the team is monitoring his status closely ahead of the contest.
“I was aggressive and getting downhill to my spots and trying to play with physicality and was rewarded with getting to the free throw line a little bit, so I thought that was good,”
Flagg said. “(We were) just competing, just fighting and coming together.” – Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks forward
In the team’s previous game, Flagg managed to score 27 points while grabbing five rebounds, despite his lingering injury. His season averages include 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 49 games, with a solid shooting split of 48.2% from the field and 80.4% from the free-throw line. His presence has been critical to the Mavericks’ efforts this season.
“Obviously, we just didn’t start with great energy. I just felt like we were a little lackadaisical through some parts of the start of the game and we just came together and just fought. We just came together and found ways to fight and climb back into it.”
– Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks forward
Dallas Mavericks Striving to Regain Momentum Amid Struggles
The Mavericks’ loss in Phoenix was marked by a slow start, missing their first nine shots and falling behind by as many as 31 points early on. Although they mounted a fierce second-half comeback, closing the gap to six points with just over two minutes remaining, it was not enough. Coach Jason Kidd emphasized that the team improved their physicality in the second half but needed to find consistency throughout the entire game.
“We got off to a slow start,”
Kidd said. “They were physical, and we weren’t in that first half, and I thought the group did a better job there in the second half with the physicality.”
“And then getting to the free throw line 44 times, but we got to be able to produce some more threes. We just didn’t do that this evening, but the group fought. We had some good looks that just hit back rim.”
– Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks head coach
Naji Marshall led Dallas with 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting, marking his third 30-point game in the past eight contests. Marshall attributed his improved scoring to understanding the game better and honing his shot selection.
“I’m starting to understand the game more and how to get to my spots,”
Marshall said.
“I’m shooting shots that I’m comfortable with and just staying in the gym.”
– Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks guard
Despite the respectable 48.1% field goal shooting and 32 made free throws, Dallas struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 5 of 22 attempts. Kidd acknowledged this as a significant factor undermining the team’s effort against Phoenix.
“We got some looks that just haven’t gone down, and I think sometimes when they don’t go down early we kind of get discouraged, and we got to be better in this league,”
Kidd said.
“You got to look at taking the next one, especially with a team like this.”
“They pack the paint, and I thought early on we missed some threes that we normally make. So right now we’re just not shooting it very well.”
– Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks head coach
In addition to Flagg, Naji Marshall remains questionable due to a left foot strain, and Caleb Martin is doubtful with a left ankle sprain. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are sidelined long-term with knee and foot surgeries, respectively.
Upcoming Game Offers Final Test Before NBA All-Star Break
The Lakers’ visit to Crypto.com Arena on Thursday represents the Mavericks’ last chance to halt their losing streak before the All-Star break, potentially without two key players, Luka Dončić and Cooper Flagg. With multiple injuries undermining Dallas’ lineup, the team faces a critical moment to stabilize performance and develop resilience against one of the league’s top scorers.
