Mavericks vs Lakers
The NBA has always thrived on drama between Mavericks vs Lakers, but the 2025-2026 season has introduced a script that even Hollywood couldn’t have written. As of mid-February 2026, the rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers has been fundamentally reshaped by a seismic blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for a package centered around Anthony Davis.
This swap has created a “super-team” era in Los Angeles while forcing Dallas to pivot toward a future led by No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. With the two teams squaring off on February 12, 2026, fans are flooding social media with burning questions about injuries, legacies, and the playoff race between Mavericks vs Lakers.
1. Is Luka Dončić playing tonight against his former team?
Unfortunately for fans hoping for a “revenge game,” Luka Dončić has been ruled out for the February 12th matchup due to a persistent hamstring strain. This marks the fourth consecutive game the Slovenian superstar has missed. While he is reportedly attempting to heal in time for the 2026 All-Star Game, the Lakers are playing it safe to ensure their new centerpiece is healthy for a deep postseason run.
2. Will LeBron James suit up at 41 years old?
Yes. After resting during the Lakers’ recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James has been removed from the injury report. Despite managing minor arthritis in his left foot, the “King” is expected to handle a heavy workload (30-35 minutes) as he assumes the primary playmaking duties in Dončić’s absence.
3. How has Cooper Flagg performed in his rookie season?
Cooper Flagg has lived up to the massive hype, emerging as a “point-forward” for Dallas. Before a recent midfoot sprain sidelined him, Flagg was averaging nearly a double-double and leading all rookies in blocks. However, he remains out for the current showdown, leaving a significant void in the Mavericks’ frontcourt.
4. What happened to Kyrie Irving?
The Mavericks’ backcourt has been decimated by injuries. Kyrie Irving is currently recovering from knee surgery and has been out of the rotation for several weeks. His absence has forced Dallas to rely on younger, less experienced guards like Tyus Jones and Ryan Nembhard to facilitate the offense.
5. Does Anthony Davis look comfortable in a Mavericks jersey?
Since arriving in Dallas, Anthony Davis has become the defensive anchor the franchise desperately needed. Averaging 20.0 points and over 10 rebounds per game, Davis has provided stability amidst a rotating cast of injured teammates. He is currently listed as questionable for the Lakers game, and his presence will be the deciding factor in whether Dallas can protect the rim.
6. Who is leading the head-to-head series this season?
The Lakers have asserted total dominance so far. Los Angeles currently leads the season series 2-0, with a 129-119 victory in November and a narrow 116-110 win in January. Tonight’s game offers the Lakers a chance to complete a regular-season sweep of the Mavs.
Mavericks vs. Lakers: 2025-26 Season Comparison
| Feature | Los Angeles Lakers | Dallas Mavericks |
| Record (as of Feb 13) | 32–21 (6th in West) | 19–34 (12th in West) |
| Primary Star | Luka Dončić / LeBron James | Anthony Davis / Cooper Flagg |
| Head Coach | JJ Redick | Jason Kidd |
| Offensive Rating | 117.3 (10th) | 111.2 (25th) |
| Defensive Rating | 117.7 (23rd) | 118.9 (28th) |
| Last 10 Games | 6–4 | 1–9 |
7. Can the Mavericks break their current losing streak?
The Mavericks enter this game on a brutal eight-game losing streak. Without Flagg, Irving, or a healthy supporting cast, Dallas has struggled to find offensive consistency. To win tonight, they will need a career night from role players like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
8. What is the status of Klay Thompson in Dallas?
Klay Thompson has been a bridge between the old and new Mavericks. While trade rumors have swirled suggesting he could be moved to a contender like the Rockets, Klay remains a vital spacer for Dallas. He is expected to play a larger offensive role tonight with the primary stars sidelined.
9. Are Bronny James and Luka Dončić sharing the court?
While Bronny James is on the Lakers’ roster, his minutes have been limited. However, when both are healthy, fans have seen the surreal sight of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Bronny James all in the same rotation—a marketing dream that has boosted the Lakers’ national TV viewership significantly.
10. How has JJ Redick managed the Lakers’ new superstar duo?
JJ Redick has leaned into a high-IQ, transition-heavy offense. By utilizing Dončić’s gravity to free up LeBron for “cut” plays, the Lakers have maintained a top-10 offense. Redick’s willingness to experiment with rotations—including starting Marcus Smart for defensive grit—has kept the Lakers firmly in the playoff hunt.
11. What are the playoff implications for this matchup?
For the Lakers, every win is a step toward avoiding the Play-In Tournament. For the Mavericks, the season has shifted toward “player development.” Currently 12th in the West, Dallas is more focused on securing a high lottery pick to pair with Cooper Flagg than they are on a 2026 title run.
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Conclusion
The Mavericks vs Lakers rivalry in 2026 is a study in contrasting fortunes. The Lakers are a veteran-laden powerhouse attempting to maximize the twilight of LeBron’s career alongside a peak Luka Dončić, who watched from the side-lines last night as James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are navigating the “growing pains” of a total rebuild centred on defensive identity and the brilliance of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the most recent Mavericks vs Lakers showdown was marred by injuries to both superstars, the narratives of redemption and evolution continue to make this the most watched matchup in the NBA.
As Dallas looks to snap their skid and Los Angeles aims for a deep playoff run, every future meeting of Mavericks vs Lakers remains essential viewing for basketball purists.
Lakers vs. Mavericks preview: Can LA enter the All-Star break with a win?
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Mavericks vs. Lakers game?
A: Tonight’s game is streaming live on Amazon Prime Video at 10:00 PM EST.
Q: Who is the favorite to win tonight?
A: The Lakers are currently 7.5-point favorites, largely due to the return of LeBron James and the significant injury list for the Mavericks.
Q: Did the Mavericks trade Luka Dončić because he wanted to leave?
A: While both parties officially cited a “mutual desire for a fresh start,” reports suggest the Mavericks wanted to capitalize on Luka’s trade value to build a more balanced roster around Cooper Flagg.
Q: Will Kyrie Irving play again this season?
A: The Mavericks are hopeful Irving can return in March for the final stretch of the season, though they may opt to sit him if they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
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Last modified: February 13, 2026
