Mavericks at Lakers
THE STORY: If he had his druthers, Lamar Odom would be sitting on the Lakers’ bench Monday night. Instead, Odom, who won two titles and was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the Lakers last season, will be playing for Dallas when the Mavericks visit Staples Center on Monday night. “It'll be the first time I go home to my house and have to play for another team,” said Odom, traded to the Mavericks for a draft picks and trade exception just before the season. “I mean, it is what it is. The only way I can truly help this team is to move on.” Odom is averaging 6.8 points — less than half his career average of 14.5 — and 4.8 rebounds (down from 8.8). Dallas hardly broke a sweat Saturday night with a dominant 99-60 victory over Sacramento for its fifth straight win, and a franchise record for the fewest points allowed. Meanwhile, the Lakers lost to the Clippers 102-94 despite 42 points from Kobe Bryant, his fourth consecutive game with at least 40.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (8-5): Dallas set several records for defensive prowess in Saturday’s rout of the Kings. Their previous record for points allowed was 65 by Minnesota on Feb. 27, 2007. “(The Kings) had some struggles. Their shot-making wasn’t great, but I thought we had something to do with that,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “We’re placing emphasis on energy, defense and rebounding. The guys are responding.” The Mavericks’ bench outscored the Kings’ bench 68-20. This is the first game of a four-game trip for the Mavericks.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (9-5): The Lakers will play their league-high 15th game tonight and their lack of energy showed against the Clippers. Bryant has shown he is not about to slow down, but the Lakers cannot depend on his accuracy every night as evidenced by the 14-of-28 shooting against the Clippers. His key to four straight 40-plus point games: “I'm just getting the ball in spots to be effective and I'm just making my mid-range jumpers,” he said. He has not had five consecutive 40-point games since 2007.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Mavericks have lost 35 of their past 39 road games against the Lakers.
2. Owner Mark Cuban said the Mavericks will receive their championship rings Jan. 25 against Minnesota, giving J.J. Barea, the former Dallas and current Minnesota guard, a chance to participate.
3. Dallas guard Jason Kidd (lower back) returned after sitting out four consecutive games. Kidd’s layup was his first two-point field goal of the season. His first 12 baskets were 3-pointers.