Tuesday night the struggling Lakers take on the playoff bound Dallas Mavericks in the last battle of two 90’s grown superstars
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of a six game losing streak and their schedule isn’t getting any easier with their next three games against the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers.
However, as it has been with the rest of the season, according to Mitch Kupchak and Byron Scott, this season isn’t about developing players, or even about winning games at this point, but more so celebrating Kobe Bryant‘s legendary career. This becomes even more magnified when you add fading star Dirk Nowitzki to the equation, as he is likely to join Kobe in retirement in the near future as well.
At 25-21, the Mavericks sit firmly in hold of a playoff position, but they’re only a few games away from the coveted fourth seed. Translation, don’t expect Dirk to get all chummy just because it’s his last game against Kobe. The best respect you can pay a player who’s retiring is to give him your best every night, at least that’s what Kobe believes.
Rick Carlisle says he'll have to fight emotions in his last game vs. Kobe Bryant: "It's one of the truly historic careers in @NBAHistory."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) January 26, 2016
Tuesday not only marks the last chance fans will get to see Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki battle it out, but also the first game since Kobe verbally ripped into his teammates on the sideline during the Portland Trailblazers’ game. Specifically showing frustration with D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, it’ll be interesting to see how they respond to his call, if at all.
The last two games against the Mavericks have been relatively close, losing by 10 and eight points respectively, so hopefully the game will be more competitive than what fans have gotten used to seeing over the past week or two.
Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers
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Date: Tuesday, Jan. 26
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Arena: STAPLES Center
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Mavericks -7.5
Moneyline: Mavericks -365, Lakers +300
O/U: 201.5
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (knee)—Probable, Ryan Kelly (illness)—Questionable
Dallas Mavericks: Jeremy Evans (shoulder)—Probable, Zaza Pachulia (leg)—Doubtful, Devin Harris (toe)—Doubtful
Next: Kobe Reportedly 'Sucker Punched' Samaki Walker Over $100 in 2002
Prediction
The young Lakers come out fired up in response to Kobe’s heated message and the game is close up until late in the fourth quarter where the Mavericks pull away.
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