Mavericks, Without Kyrie Irving, Down Lakers 127-125

The Los Angeles Lakers traveled to Dallas for their first game after winning the NBA In Season Tournament to take on the Mavericks. Dallas was without Kyrie Irving, who has a foot injury, but Tim Hardaway stepped up in his place and scored a season high 32 points as the Mavericks beat the Lakers in a close one 127-125.

Another Maverick who stepped up was Dante Exum, who scored a season high 26 points, all but five of which were from three point baskets; Grant Williams contributed 19. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 33 points and 17 rebounds. Anthony Davis led L.A. with 37 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James scored 33 and had nine assists and eight rebounds. Austin Reeves had 22 off the bench for the Lakers.

Dallas (15-8) leads the Southwest Division by 2 ½ games over Houston, while the Lakers (14-10) are a few percentage points behind Sacramento in the Pacific. The Mavericks are third overall in the Western Conference, while the Lakers are sixth.

Los Angeles is in San Antonio on December 13th, while Dallas hosts the surprising Minnesota Timberwolves, who lead the Western Conference, on December 14th.