Lakers at Mavericks
THE STORY: After winning five in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves trying to avoid losing three consecutive road games when they meet the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Lakers lost to Houston 107-104 Tuesday, falling to 9-15 on the road but still leading the Clippers by 1 1/2 games. Dallas has won four in a row, and had a season-high 33 assists in a 112-95 victory at Denver on Monday.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE LAKERS (28-18): For the first time since being injured in the All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant shed his protective mask. Bryant scored 29 points on 27 shot attempts to lead the Lakers, who have allowed more than 100 points in four of five games. “I’m concerned,” Bryant said, “but I’m confident we’ll get it (the defense) fixed. We’ve responded to challenges all year, and in a way, it’s good to go through something like this.” Pau Gasol has averaged 16.7 points on 53 percent shooting and 9.9 rebounds in his last nine games.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (27-20): Dallas coach Rick Carlisle was ecstatic after his team’s effort against Denver. “It was one of the smartest played games I’ve seen in the league all year long,” Carlisle said. “Very disciplined, aggressive, but not frantic and we moved the ball the way we had to.” Shawn Marion’s (sore left knee) has missed two games. “We're not listing him as anything in particular,” Carlisle said. “We're hoping he'll be doing even better (with treatment).”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Lakers have won 12 of the last 15 regular-season meetings with the Mavericks.
2. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 23 points and 9.5 rebounds against the Lakers this season.
3. Bryant has shot just 27.7 percent (13 for 47) from the field in his last two games.