The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a commanding performance at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night, handing the Dallas Mavericks a 124-104 defeat in a Western Conference matchup that closed the first half of the 2025-26 NBA season for both teams. With both squads missing key stars due to injuries, it was LeBron James who stole the show, notching his first triple-double of the season at age 41 and reminding everyone why he’s still one of the league’s most electrifying presences.
Coming into the contest, the Mavericks (19-35) were reeling from an eight-game losing streak and the absence of their franchise cornerstones, Luka Dončić and Cooper Flagg. Dončić was sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, remained out with a foot injury through the All-Star break. The Lakers (33-21) were not at full strength either, missing center Deandre Ayton due to a knee issue, but the return of LeBron James—who had missed Tuesday’s game—gave Los Angeles a much-needed boost.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Lakers meant business. LeBron James erupted for 14 points in the first quarter alone, propelling Los Angeles to a double-digit lead before Dallas could settle in. The Mavericks, however, refused to go quietly. Rallying behind Naji Marshall and Max Christie, who each poured in 19 points, Dallas clawed back to even the score by the end of the first frame. The back-and-forth continued into the second quarter, with the Lakers building a 13-point cushion only to see the Mavericks respond and even briefly seize a slim lead early in the third quarter.
But the Lakers’ experience and depth ultimately proved too much for the shorthanded Mavericks. Los Angeles surged ahead again, pushing their lead back into double digits by the close of the third quarter and never looking back. As the final minutes ticked away, the Lakers’ control was evident, and the Mavericks—already depleted—lost both Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford to injuries midway through the fourth quarter, further dampening any hopes of a late comeback.
LeBron’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he rack up 28 points, but he also grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out 10 assists, recording his first triple-double of the season. At 41 years old, his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor remains a marvel. “He just keeps finding ways to impact the game,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. “When LeBron is in this kind of rhythm, he makes everyone around him better.”
For the Mavericks, it was a night that showcased both resilience and the challenges of playing without their stars. Four of Dallas’ five starters scored in double digits, a testament to their collective effort in the face of adversity. Brandon Williams, starting at point guard, impressed with 17 points and seven assists, using his quickness to attack the rim and keep the Lakers’ defense on its heels. Williams connected on one of three attempts from beyond the arc but did most of his damage inside, converting six of eleven shots from the floor.
“Brandon has really stepped up for us,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said postgame. “His speed and ability to get into the paint give us an edge, and he’s growing every time out.” The Mavericks also got a look at Khris Middleton in his Dallas debut. Middleton, who has a history with Kidd from their Milwaukee days, contributed eight points in 21 minutes. There had been speculation about whether Dallas would release Middleton to pursue opportunities elsewhere, but for now, he donned the Mavericks uniform and gave the team a veteran presence on the wing.
The Lakers, meanwhile, continued their recent dominance over Dallas, extending their winning streak against the Mavericks to five games, including all three meetings this season. The latest betting lines had favored Los Angeles by 6.5 points, and the Lakers more than covered the spread, much to the delight of home fans and bettors alike. SportsLine’s advanced projection model had forecast a high-scoring affair, with both teams expected to see five players reach double figures and at least two surpassing 23 points. The model also predicted the game would go over the 236.5-point total, and the teams delivered, combining for 228 points in a contest marked by offensive surges and defensive lapses.
Despite the final margin, the Mavericks showed flashes of the promise that has made them a team to watch, even as they limp into the All-Star break. Their ability to rally from early deficits and briefly take the lead in the third quarter spoke to their grit, but the lack of star power and mounting injuries ultimately left them outmatched. Losing Marshall and Gafford in the fourth quarter only compounded their woes, raising questions about the team’s health and depth heading into the second half of the season.
For the Lakers, the win capped a roller-coaster stretch before the break. After a three-game winning streak, Los Angeles had dropped two straight, but Thursday’s victory steadied the ship and kept them in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. LeBron’s vintage performance was the story of the night, but the Lakers’ supporting cast also played their roles, helping to secure a much-needed win on home court.
The game was streamed live on Prime Video, giving fans across the country a front-row seat to LeBron’s latest milestone and the Lakers’ continued mastery over Dallas. With the All-Star break now underway, both teams will have time to regroup, heal, and prepare for the final stretch of the regular season. The Mavericks, in particular, will be hoping for the returns of Dončić and Flagg, as well as improved health for Marshall and Gafford, if they hope to reverse their recent slide and make a push for the postseason.
As the lights dimmed at Crypto.com Arena, it was clear that LeBron James and the Lakers had sent a message: in a season full of ups and downs, they’re not ready to fade quietly into the background. With the second half of the season looming, both teams have plenty of questions to answer—but for now, the Lakers can savor a statement win, while the Mavericks look to regroup and get healthy for the battles ahead.