LOS ANGELES — The Lakers responded Thursday night by beating the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena, 124-104. With both teams missing key contributors, Los Angeles leaned on the experience of LeBron James and the execution of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to win this one by a comfortable margin.
Luka Dončić was listed as OUT for the fourth consecutive game after suffering a hamstring strain against the 76ers on February 5th. The Dallas Mavericks announced that Cooper Flagg would also not play on Thursday as he suffered a left midfoot sprain during Tuesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers were able to build a rhythm early behind LeBron James and contributions from Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. However, a second quarter surge by the Mavericks closed the first half and trimmed the Laker lead to one, 63-64.
The Mavericks’ 12-0 run heading into halftime particularly did not sit well with head coach JJ Redick, who typically will stop for a quick interview with Lakers reporter Mike Trudell before heading into the locker room. Tonight, he immediately made his way to the locker room visibly annoyed, giving no halftime interview. It was not a strong end to the first half for LA but luckily this is a game of runs that lasts four quarters, not just two.
The second half got off to a shaky start as the Lakers briefly gave up the lead. They would answer back by going on a 15-4 run and quickly taking back control as LA got their lead back up to 14 points to end the third quarter, 96-82. From there, Los Angeles maintained composure and extended the lead, never allowing Dallas to threaten again en route to their 20-point victory.
LeBron James would be the key to tonight’s win as he finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, recording his 123rd career triple double in the 4th quarter.
Rui Hachimura also heavily contributed to tonight’s win with 21 points of his own. With 1:49 to go in the game and the score up 122-100 in favor of the Lakers, Coach Redick emptied the bench and sat his starters. This one was in the refrigerator as the great Chick Hearn would put it.
The Lakers now head into the All-Star break with the fifth spot in the West before resuming their schedule next week against the Clippers. They will look to use this time as an opportunity to reset and evaluate the first half of the season while resting up and getting their key pieces fully healthy. They will be represented at the All-Star game by Luka Dončic and LeBron James on Sunday. Jaxson Hayes will also participate in the Slam Dunk contest on Saturday evening at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA..
Notable Stats of the Night:
LeBron James: 28 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists
Rui Hachimura: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Austin Reaves: 18 point, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
Jaxson Hayes: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Max Christie: 19 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
Upcoming Game for the Lakers:
Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) vs Los Angeles Clippers (26-28)
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Tip-Off: 7:00PM PST/ 10:00PM EST
LOS ANGELES — Next 5 games for the Lakers, Credit: Spectrum SportsNet
City Champs Media 