The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday with an opportunity to establish a six-game winning streak and hold onto second place in the Western Conference. They come in with a 13-4 record, and they have already clinched a spot in the quarterfinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup after Tuesday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Anthony Davis of the Mavericks will return after missing the last 14 games with a calf strain. For the Lakers, center Deandre Ayton was listed as probable after missing the second half of Sunday’s game and all of Tuesday’s contest with a knee contusion. He has been upgraded to available.
Unfortunately, guard Marcus Smart, who was originally listed as questionable due to back spasms, will not play.
The Lakers’ next game will be on Sunday versus the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. They will host the Phoenix Suns the following evening before heading out on a six-game road trip that will start on Thursday with a matchup against the surprising Toronto Raptors.
