Less than 24 hours after their matchup against the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the move, heading to Las Vegas for a game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Looking to secure their second win of the preseason, the Lakers face a critical test in this fast-paced, back-to-back scenario.
Start Time and TV Schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Oct 15
Where: T-Mobile Arena
Watch: ESPN, Spectrum Sportsnet
In Tuesday night’s loss against the Suns, the Lakers had an opportunity to evaluate their core trio of players: Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, and Deandre Ayton. The early returns were promising, especially when these three were on the court together, showcasing synergy and skill. However, the effectiveness tapered off when key players were pulled after the third quarter, resulting in a disappointing finish.
With key players such as Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes missing from the lineup, the Lakers appear to be prioritizing health over wins during these preseason games. The expectation is that they’ll continue this strategy against the Mavericks, raising questions about whether Dončić and Reaves will step onto the court for consecutive nights so early in the season.
On the flip side, this game marks the Mavericks’ preseason finale. Unlike the Lakers, the Mavericks are likely to approach this matchup with heightened intensity, as they aim to solidify their own strategies. Coach Jason Kidd is expected to play his starting five—Dereck Lively II, Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Cooper Flagg, and Klay Thompson—who recently found success in their last game against the Utah Jazz, winning 114-101 in a commanding fashion. Kidd has hinted that his starters will see extended minutes, particularly Davis, who may play more than 25 minutes and is likely to extend into the fourth quarter of this matchup.
This sets the stage for an intriguing dynamic in Las Vegas. The Lakers are faced with a pivotal decision: will they rise to match the Mavericks’ intensity, or will they maintain their own pace, focusing solely on executing their game plan? Preseason outcomes may not carry weight in the grand scheme, but both teams are aiming to leave the court with valuable experience and preparations for the regular season ahead.
Notes and Updates
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As the game approaches, updates on player availability are scant due to the back-to-back nature of this schedule. It is reasonable to assume that LeBron James (sciatica), Chris Mañon (ankle sprain), and Adou Thiero (left knee hyperextension) will not be in attendance.
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Although it’s early in the preseason, the Lakers currently hold a record of 1-3, while the Mavericks stand at 2-1 heading into this matchup.
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