The Los Angeles Lakers make their first trip to Dallas this season tonight, looking to prove they can win on the road as both teams’ stars are heating up for All-Star weekend.
Kobe Bryant (32.3 over his last three games, league-leader at 29 ppg) and Dirk Nowitzki (29.3 points, 11 rebounds, 31-of-66 shooting over last three) face off in Dallas’ last game before a much-needed breather.
But it’s a different story for the team dangling Pau Gasol when away from the comforts of home. The Lakers have a 5-11 road record and are 0-10 when trailing after the 3rd quarter.
That loss last month seemed to struck a chord with the Mavericks, who have gone 13-6 since, the Lakers just 9-8.
That didn’t affect Metta Word Peace, who complained about head coach Mike Brown being ‘all stats’, giving World Peace uneven playing time.
Brown responded, “If I was a stats guy, Metta, you wouldn’t be playing at all. Look at your stats offensively. And then Synergy [sports technology] says you’re the 192nd -best defensive player in the league.”
The Lakers are shooting just 30.1 in from deep, even after going 8-for-19 from three in a 103-92 win over Portland on Monday.
The Mavericks have won seven of their past eight behind Nowitzki, who vaulted into the top 20 all-time scorers list during the run.
The Lakers close out the first half of their season against West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, but only after finding out who has the sexiest jumper in the NBA.