Mavericks vs Lakers NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (2/25)

Tuesday night NBA action as former championship teammates Kyrie Irving and LeBron James face-off. That’s the only narrative here, right?

Luka Dončić takes on the team that so unceremoniously traded him away when the basketball world saw him as their next generational superstar. The Luka Era was supposed to proceed Disco Dirk’s time. Now? LeLuka is a LeLaker. This should be interesting.

Anthony Davis went down with a freak injury so early in his Dallas tenure his detractors lost their collective minds. Even more interesting is the fact that Kyrie has been fantastic during this whole ordeal. Post-trade he toed the line and said all the right things and played fantastic too. We are in the wildest timeline possible.

Game Information

• Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, CAL
• Dallas Mavericks (31-27) visit the (34-21) Los Angeles Lakers
• Previous Matchup: DAL Win 118-97 January 25th, 2025
• Last game was prior to the trade, Irving and Luka Dončić were out, Lakers were healthy.

Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Lakers

Excitement for this game has likely lessened due to the fact that the Mavericks will be without Anthony Davis. However, sports books have had lines for this game since the trade took place. It’s important to note this saga won’t end any time soon because Luka Dončić will still need to make his return to Dallas. Mark this on your calendars: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. Location: American Airlines Arena.

The Mavericks started life without Luka well, even with the Anthony Davis groin injury, but then they got blown out by the new-look Warriors.  They are 5-5 in their last ten, sit in 8th in the West, but have a point differential of -5 in their last ten. One or the other will happen for this team; Kyrie drags them into a first round exit, or some of the vets get hurt or shut down, then they fall out of the play-in. The five teams below them in the West are still vying for playoff spots.

The Lakers have been fantastic. We aren’t talking about trades or failed trades anymore just hoops. The Lakers have 8 wins in their last 10. They’re averaging 120.9 points and shooting 50.7% from the field. Their opponents have only managed to average 108.0 points per game in that same sample size. In their own words, Luka is the quarterback and James is the wide receiver. They are pairing that with a switching defence that feels like a blitz for forty-eight minutes.

LeBron on his and Luka’s connection

“I’m a natural-born wide receiver, and he’s a natural-born quarterback, so it fits perfectly.” pic.twitter.com/KbR7IULJGU

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 23, 2025

NBA Game Analysis

The Mavericks will need Kyrie Irving to keep being the level headed global well-rounded superstar he’s been as of late. When he was the first option in Boston it didn’t work out the way he hoped. He hasn’t had the full reigns of an offence since. He’s played the sidekick since leaving Cleveland after his championship with LeBron James. In 7 matchups since LeBron arrived in LA, Kyrie has had only two good shooting nights, and he averages just 19.0 points per game against James in 19 matchups.

3 Key Outlier.Bet Insights:

• The over has only missed in 5 of the last 15 games for the Mavericks
• The Mavericks are 6-13 in their last 19 as underdogs
• Dallas is also just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13

The home team has advantages with narratives, statistics, and star power. However, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson can get as hot as any NBA legends. The Lakers recently lost to the Hornets at home too. As well as to the Sixers in late January. A common thread of those two upsets is LA’s opponents both hit and took more threes while winning the turnover margin. They also lost to the Jazz on the road in a very strange game with Luka in the lineup. This team is still finding its way and can be beat.

Kyrie Irving shares his perspective on the Dallas Mavericks facing Luka Dončić with the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/egcufryvpM

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 23, 2025

The Lakers let teams shoot 54.5% in the midrange. Several Mavericks guards, like Kyrie or Christie, could potentially exploit this. Especially the latter of which because he was a key rotational player for the purple and gold. He understands their defensive principles. Max Christie was involved in the Luka trade and that cannot be forgotten. Max Christie should come to play.

Both coaches are former players and understand the dynamics of what transpired 3 weeks ago on a level few can. As a result, expect intensity to start no matter the eventual outcome.

LeBron and LeLuka in LA

The King may not be a mortal man after all. LeBron James is averaging 29.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in the month of February. His minutes are in control, his shooting splits are impressive, and he is piling up steals and blocks. While Luka Dončić regains his own divine powers, The King is still reigning supreme, and the Lakers are winning.

The Mavericks are ranked in the bottom half of the association in scoring defence, rebounding, and opponent 3-point %. This is no way to win in the modern NBA. Unless someone from the Mavericks goes full “Saucin’-heimer” this is the home team’s game to lose. LeBron should be in facilitator mode, Luka will hunt mismatches, and Austin Reaves may do it all.

Also, Rui Hachimura should continue to play well. His shooting is needed and he’s been great. His 15.5 points line is something he has gone over in 8 of 10. However, his has never hit this line against Dallas in his career (0/4).

A full and fair statistical analysis of the Lakers is hard to do, because they are like an unformed piece of clay, but expect JJ Redick to mold them into something special by April.

NBA Best Bet: Total o228.5 (-110)

Both of these teams should come out firing. The Lakers defence has been good but they’re still not great. The Mavericks will be playing small ball due to injuries and that should mean they’ll up the pace. In a game that will mean so much to both sides, there should be a heightened level of play, and all the marquee stars involved are known more for scoring. Vendetta’s will be played out on the hardwood on Tuesday night.

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