Lakers Secure Victory Over Mavericks Behind Stellar Performances

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-119 on November 28, 2025, in an Emirates NBA Cup matchup played at Crypto.com Arena. The win improved the Lakers' record to 14-4 for the season, while the Mavericks dropped to 5-15.

Austin Reaves led the Lakers with an impressive 38 points, complemented by 8 rebounds, 6 three-pointers, and 3 assists. LeBron James orchestrated the victory with a game-high 11 assists to go along with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists across 34 minutes of play. James showcased his playmaking ability and court awareness throughout the contest, particularly during crucial moments when Dallas threatened to take control.

The Mavericks' Luka Doncic recorded 35 points on efficient 10-of-18 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range, adding 5 rebounds and 11 assists. Despite his strong individual performance, it proved insufficient to overcome the Lakers' balanced attack. P.J. Washington provided 22 points and 9 rebounds for Dallas in the losing effort.

The game featured several momentum shifts, with the Mavericks dominating the second quarter before the Lakers mounted a second-half comeback. James proved instrumental in directing the Lakers' offensive sets and transitioning the team to defensive stops. His ability to manipulate pressure and maintain composure allowed Los Angeles to weather Dallas's offensive runs and establish control.

The fourth quarter essentially sealed the contest as the Lakers executed with precision through free throws and composed ball movement. Reaves delivered particularly impressive defensive plays while maintaining his scoring touch, significantly impacting the game's outcome. The victory highlighted the Lakers' depth and their capacity to win close contests through contributions from multiple players rather than relying on any single scorer.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI