LA Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks preview - 3 points of rivalry

The LA Lakers will take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight at 11:30 PM on Sony SIX. Here are three points of note which add spice to the rivalry-

Jostle for a playoff spot

After the demise of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Kobe has said that they are now “playing for something bigger than ourselves, bigger than a single season.” And to do that, they need to knock the Mavericks off tonight. The Mavericks were the 2011 champions, the Lakers were the 2010 champions. Just goes to show how fast the mighty fall as neither are a lock to make it to the playoffs. This is actually the first time that the Lakers have a losing record this late in the season since back in 1993-94. That year the Lakers did not make it to the playoffs. But they have a shot this year. And if the Mavericks are to make it to the post-season, they will need to knock the Lakers off as they are just one spot behind them in the West. The teams have momentum on their side as they have won 7 of the last 10 matches. The Mavericks have won 5 of the last 6 matches, owing possibly to the facial hair pledge. Some Mavericks players have vowed not to shave until they climb above .500 and the itches and scratches are proving to be worthy motivators for them to win. As if the multi million dollars they make isn’t enough, as a socialist may comment. The Lakers stand at 27-29 at the 9th spot in the West and the Mavericks are 10th with a 25-29 record.

“We’re playing for a lot of marbles, of course, just trying to get ourselves back into the (playoff) race,” Vince Carter said. “It was a must-win game just like every game we’re going to play from here on out. We’re trying to approach every game with a playoff mentality.”

Vince has been playing with such a mentality as he’s made 19 of 30 three pointers over the last four games. It remains to be seen if he can continue it vs the Lakers.

Revenge for old wounds

It’s not just making it to the playoffs which will make the two teams go hard. The year that the Mavericks won the championship, the Lakers were the favourites to win it all. The Mavs swept them clean out of the playoffs in embarrassing fashion with Andrew Bynum and Metta World Peace losing control and decking tiny Barea in retaliation for that. The Lakers still haven’t got over that postseason knock and will be looking for revenge.

Mark Cuban’s jabs

“If you look at their payroll, even if Dwight Howard comes back, you’ve got to ask the question: Should they amnesty Kobe?”- asked Mark Cuban, worm can opener extraordinaire.

Back when Phil Jackson coached the Lakers, he could always be counted upon to throw some verbal jabs at the opponent through the press. He’s tussled with Mark Cuban over the years, and while Phil isn’t in the league, Cuban is still firing away at the Lakers. He’s recently suggested that the Lakers ought to amnesty Kobe Bryant. That means either letting Kobe walk away or somehow resigning him for a lower figure. I can’t figure which scenario seems more unlikely.

“You just don’t know, right? It’s the same reason I wouldn’t get rid of Dirk. I’ll take a hit for a season rather than get rid of Dirk. That’s just it. I’ve made that commitment to him over the years and he’s returned that commitment. Maybe that’s selfish, but that’s just the way it is. So I’m just saying that hypothetically. When I say amnesty Kobe, I don’t think they’d do it, but they’ve got some choices to make. Now, they’re in a big market, but they’re still limited. The Knicks, the same thing. Boston, same thing.”- Mark added.

If Phil were the coach, he’d undoubtedly issue some scathing statement in response by alluding to Cuban letting Chandler walk away after winning a championship, peppered with some Zen references thrown in for good measure. But Phil is gone and all we have as rebuttal from the Lakers is a bland statement from the team spokesman John Black- “We’re aware of Mark Cuban’s comments and felt they are inappropriate.” That’s telling them John! Someone apply cold water to the burn on the Mavericks. Man, I miss Phil. Regardless, you can bet that this is something which will play on the mind of Lakers and Kobe when they meet tonight.

Kobe is coming off a game vs the Blazers in which he had 40 points on 15 of 23 shooting. Angering the Mamba is never a good idea, especially not after such a excellent performance. Expect the Lakers to win this one.