Lakers at Mavericks
Noon Sunday, American Airlines Center, Dallas TV: WFAA/Ch. 8 Radio: ESPN/103.3 FM, KFLC/1270 AM (Spanish) Records: Lakers 27-29, Mavericks 25-29 About the Lakers: After losing 10 of 12 games from Jan. 1-23, the Lakers have suddenly caught fire with wins in 10 of their last 14 games. But only four of those 10 wins — against Brooklyn, Boston, Oklahoma City and Utah — have come vs. teams with a winning record. … Kobe Bryant has expanded his game lately to become more of a facilitator, but he’s still fourth in the NBA in scoring at 26.9 ppg while also averaging 5.3 rpg and 5.6 apg. … Center Dwight Howard is averaging 16.5 ppg and 2.3 blocks per game and also leads the league in rebounds at 11.9 rpg. … Point guard Steve Nash averages 11.7 ppg and 7.3 apg and is shooting 50.7 percent from the field. …The Lakers average 102 ppg but give up 101 ppg. About the Mavericks: The Mavs are just one game behind the Lakers for the ninth spot in the Western Conference and four games behind Houston for the eighth and final playoff spot. … Dallas split the two earlier games this season with the Lakers, with both teams winning on the road. The Mavs opened the season on Oct. 30 with a 99-91 victory over the Lakers in LA. The Lakers returned the favor by blowing out the Mavs in Dallas, 115-89, on Nov. 24. … Mike James and Vince Carter buried two late 3-pointers to help fuel Friday’s 104-100 triumph over the Hornets in New Orleans. …Newcomer Anthony Morrow will play his first game for the Mavs today. — Dwain PriceHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
