The NBA’s brightest young stars will be on display during the Rising Stars Challenge in the Los Angeles area on Friday, Feb. 13.
The league will spend the weekend in Inglewood, California, showcasing its talent, with rookies Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) and VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) headlining the Rising Stars Challenge tournament.
Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks was expected to compete, but was a late scratch due to injury. He was drafted to play for Team Melo. Flagg had averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 49 games played this season. He's considered the favorite for the NBA's Rookie of the Year based on odds at BetMGM. Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr was also scheduled to participate, but it was announced Thursday that he will now be scratched and miss the next two weeks with a hamstring injury.
Knueppel is second, averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 53 games played for Charlotte. He will play for Team T-Mac.
Edgecombe has averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 49 games played for Philly. He’ll play for Team Vince.
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Sidney Crosby of Team Canada in action during the Men's Preliminary Group A match between Czechia and Canada on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…
If the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to make a trade before the NHL’s March 6 trading deadline, upgrading the defense seems like the most logical route general manager Kyle Dubas will follow. Well, who are some potential players Dubas could target to improve the roster? [PensBurgh]
Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs said he’s embracing the “incredible opportunity” of representing Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete against the world’s best and make his country proud. [Penguins]
Defenseman Ryan Shea has emerged as a reliable NHL regular this season, posting career-high offensive numbers while cementing his role on Pittsburgh’s blueline after a couple of up-and-down years early in his career. Shea has taken advantage of the increased trust and opportunity afforded by a new coaching staff, showing he belongs at the NHL level. [Trib Live]
Updates from around the NHL…
Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring, and Jordan Binnington made 26 saves for the shutout as Team Canada rolled to a 5-0 victory over Czechia on Thursday. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby also recorded two assists. [TSN]
American-born NHLers would not be outdone, however. Brock Nelson scored twice, and four teammates had two assists apiece, as Team USA beat Latvia 5-1. [Associated Press]
Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the league has secured greater access to Olympic content and flexibility around how games and player content are shared compared with past Olympics. He also expressed hope that this cooperation with the IOC and IIHF will continue to improve for future events. [Associated Press]
Bettman also said the league will defer to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s decisions on Russia and Belarus’ eligibility for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. [Sportsnet]
Top NHL draft prospect and Penn State forward Gavin McKenna will continue to participate in athletic activities as he faces a misdemeanor simple assault charge. [Sportsnet]
Kevin Durant and Hakeem Olajuwon Talk SGA, Jokić, Embiid, and the Evolution of Basketball
KD and Hakeem discuss the transformation of hoops over the years, comparing the physical, center-heavy ’90s era to today’s shooter-driven game.
In the latest episode of Boardroom Talks, two generations of basketball greatness sat down to reflect on the evolution of the game. Kevin Durant, known for his smooth scoring and lethal versatility, wanted Hakeem Olajuwon's perspective on modern basketball. “I just really want to get your view on the game today and the style of play, because a lot of people frown upon how we play the game today,” Durant said, setting the stage for a conversation bridging decades.
Olajuwon, the Hall of Fame center who dominated the ’90s with unparalleled footwork and defensive prowess, leaned in. Durant explained how the ’90s represented a golden era of physicality, when centers ruled, spacing was different, and scoring was balanced by toughness. Hakeem acknowledged the shift: “Today's game, a lot of shooters. I mean, I've seen guys pass it up and lay up and kick it for 3.”
They marveled at how today’s stars create space and make the game look effortless. The conversation turned toward players who embody this new era, blending athleticism and craft. Hakeem complimented Durant directly: “You, No. 1.” Durant chuckled, appreciative of the nod from one of the greatest to ever play.
Their discussion flowed naturally from praise to analysis. Hakeem mentioned players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, who make difficult shots off balance, one-legged, yet still convert. When Durant asked about Joel Embiid, a player who modeled his game similarly to Olajuwon, Hakeem summed it up simply: “I mean, he got everything.” Durant drew the comparison to Olajuwon, noting Embiid's moves and style that carry the legacy forward. “You can tell he watches you,” KD concluded, connecting the dots between eras.
By the end of their conversation, the room had become more than a reflection on basketball; it was a meditation on evolution, respect, and continuity. Two legends, from different eras, shared a language only the game could provide, revealing that while the style may change, the essence of excellence remains timeless.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Good morning, it’s Friday, February 13th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 32-21 and are off until next Thursday. For now, enjoy the All-Star break, and maybe watch a Friday the 13th movie tonight to honor the holiday. I’d recommend part four or part six.
Since there are no games on tonight, we’ll instead focus on the Rising Stars Game, where Cavalier sophomore Jaylon Tyson will be competing.
Today’s Event of the Day
2026 Castrol Rising Stars Game – 9 PM, Peacock
NBA All-Star weekend is kicking off with the Rising Stars Game. This event returns with another tournament format featuring four different teams. Here are the rosters for each team:
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - FEBRUARY 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket past Cam Thomas #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Paycom Center on February 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This may just be the feel-good moment to kick off All-Star Weekend:
Nikola Topić made his NBA debut four months after battling cancer 💙
On Thursday night as OKC faced the Milwaukee Bucks, Nikola Topic made his NBA debut.
Topic, the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. Before the 2025-2026 season started, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had a procedure in October, underwent chemotherapy, and has since been working his way back into shape.
The Serbian guard was given a loud ovation as he entered the game late in the first quarter. He tallied two points and an assist in twelve minutes of play.
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The Utah Jazz have won 18 of their 56 matches this season [Getty Images]
The Utah Jazz have been fined $500,000 (£367,000) by the NBA for benching healthy players and "compromising the integrity" of the league.
Head coach Will Hardy removed stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr before the fourth quarter of their games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat this month.
The tactic, known as 'tanking', is used by coaches to improve draft position by fielding a non-competitive team and forfeiting victory.
The draft system means teams finishing lowest in the standings have the best chances of landing the top prospects.
The Indiana Pacers were also fined $100,000 (£73,000) for violating the player participation policy during their defeat against the Jazz on 4 February.
"Overt behaviour like this that prioritises draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
"Additionally, we are working with our competition committee and board of governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct."
A play-off push looks unlikely for both the Jazz, who are 13th in the Western Conference, and the Pacers, who sit 14th in the Eastern, and thoughts appear already to be turning to next season and how their roster will be assembled.
Utah led by nine points in the fourth quarter of their meeting with Orlando on 8 February but went on to lose 120-117, while they beat Miami 115-111 two days later.
"Agree to disagree. Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense," Utah owner Ryan Smith posted on social media.
Head coach Hardy defended his decision to bench Markkanen and Utah have also announced Jackson Jr will have season-ending surgery on his knee after this weekend's All-Star games.
"I sat Lauri because he was on a minutes restriction," Hardy said. "So if our medical team puts a minutes restriction on Lauri, I'll try to keep Lauri healthy."
Utah were also fined $100,000 (£73,000) last season for resting Markkanen in multiple games.
The Pacers' fine was issued for violating the player participation policy after a league investigation found Pascal Siakam and two other players who sat out the game "could have played" even if it was with "reduced minutes".
The policy was introduced in 2023 in an attempt to discourage teams from purposely losing to improve their chances in the draft lottery.
Brighton had a bizarre season in 1982-83: they ended Liverpool’s quadruple hopes, reached the FA Cup final for the first time and finished bottom of the league
It was perceived by many as a bye. When the runaway league leaders Liverpool were drawn against rock-bottom Brighton at Anfield in the last 16 of the FA Cup in 1983, they were expected to take another step in their quest to win an unprecedented quadruple.
Brighton’s charismatic caretaker manager Jimmy Melia was trying his best to talk up his team’s hopes. “There is no way this draw means the end of the line,” the former Liverpool player protested. “We were the last side to win at Anfield, in March 1982.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles towards the Dallas Mavericks bench in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images
However, given that LA was playing without their starting center Deandre Ayton and their superstar Luka Dončić, the result was harder to achieve than the standings indicate.
Luckily, the Lakers have LeBron James.
In a career filled with memorable moments, the King had one more on Thursday. He wasn’t just the team’s de facto leader, he was the best player on the court.
LeBron ended the game with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his first triple-double of the season and making him the oldest player in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
“I think what it represents is pretty cool,” LeBron said postgame. “The fact that you can go out and be able to have an impact in three facets of the game. Rebounding, the assists, obviously, is what I love the most, being able to get my guys involved throughout my career, I’ve always loved that more than anything.”
LeBron’s dominance started from the jump. He scored or assisted on the team’s first 23 points. This stretch featured seven assists, seven points, and a pair of rebounds. Thanks to his performance, the Lakers led 36-31 after one quarter.
However, this wasn’t a game where LeBron did his damage early and coasted the rest of the way. LA needed him to be great until late into this contest.
As the second half started, the Lakers were up by just one point. So, LeBron went to work.
He had a considerable bounce to his step and was embracing his defensive assignments at a higher level than usual and more than should be expected for a 41-year-old.
LeBron continued to clean up the glass, helping LA win the battle of the boards, 44-28. And late in the third quarter, he had a dazzling dime to Jarred Vanderbilt, leading to an easy dunk that pushed the lead up to 14.
“He’s been doing a great job when he drives,” Rui Hachimura said. “He gets two, three, four guys, literally on him, so we get wide open shots and easy layups. We just got to be always ready and watch what he does.”
As the game entered the final stretch with the Lakers comfortably ahead, the only thing in doubt was whether LeBron would get the final rebound needed for a triple-double.
After a Tyus Jones miss, James corraled the rebound as the crowd erupted.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” head coach JJ Redick said. “I recognize that on a daily basis. I think it goes back to what I’ve said on numerous occasions. The more remarkable thing is how much he cares in his 23rd year, with all his accomplishments.
“He’s going to get another oldest player to do X, Y, or Z. He’s going to get another one of that. He’s going to further cement his scoring record. He’s going to do all those things. It’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing. Like I said the other day, he’s got a 23-year prime, basically.”
The Lakers now enter the break at 33-21, good for fifth in the West. It’s not where they want to be, and LeBron himself has admitted they aren’t at a championship level yet, but this season is far from done. And if LA can finally string together games with LeBron, Luka and Austin Reaves playing, who knows how good they can be.
But what was made clear again on Thursday is that LeBron isn’t just good for his age. He’s elite with no context necessary. It’s why he’s about to participate in his 22nd All-Star Game. And it’s the reason that when his story does end, it will be up to him, because Father Time hasn’t had a say in the matter.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Rui Hachimura #28 and Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 12, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LeBron James and the Lakers haven’t always been a match made in heaven.
A generation of Kobe Bryant fans who viewed LeBron as the rival were now watching him suit up in purple and gold and forced to reckon with it. Things haven’t been seamless for his time in Los Angeles, but it hasn’t stopped him from amazing feats as he fends off Father Time.
Thursday was another one of those games. The days sure seem to be counting down on his time in LA and it’s unclear how many more of these moments we have left. Even if it was against the lowly Mavs who are tanking. Even if it came in February in the final game before the All-Star break.
There’s a finite number of these performances remaining from LeBron. Don’t take them for granted.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron passes Karl Malone as the oldest player with a triple-double with this performance, both in Lakers and NBA history. We should do more to wipe Malone from history books.
With his first triple-double of the season tonight, LeBron James passed Karl Malone as the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
After getting back on track against the Bulls during the recent road trip, Rui has found his groove again. Over the last 10 games, he’s averaging 12.1 points per game, but doing it on 55.2% shooting from the field and 52.8% shooting from three.
Jake’s 3-point shooting has fallen off a cliff. Already in a career-worst season shooting the ball from range, LaRavia went just 6-29 from three over the last nine games heading into the break. Here’s to hoping for some positive regression to wrap up the year.
I’ve probably said this before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but bad Marcus Smart games are very loud. That he finished this game with a positive plus-minus feels like a minor miracle. His six assists to zero turnovers is his only saving grace in this one.
Austin really burst onto the scene in his return from injury before looking far more human the rest of this home stand. There’s nothing wrong with that. He just set the bar really high with that Sixers game.
Here’s to him getting a week to rest, reset and hit some golf balls before the home stretch.
On the wave of Vando’s 3-point shooting this season, we went into the All-Star break on an upswing as he hit four of his nine attempts over the last four games. I do not expect that to carry over at all.
Nothing of note from the garbage time group aside from a nice, athletic finish from Thiero.
JJ Redick
Whether it was a bit of rolling the dice or letting him try to get his triple-double, Redick kept LeBron in the game for the first 10:15 of the fourth. Reaves also played an eight-minute stretch during that segment, too.
It was a pretty low-intensity quarter, so it’s not quite like the playoffs. That unit also was putting the game to rest so it was a small thing. But when things are working, Redick will clearly stick with a lineup.
Grade: B+
Thursday’s inactives: Deandre Ayton, Luka Dončić, Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mañon
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to have a triple-double, accomplishing the feat Thursday night at 41 years and 44 days old during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
James had 28 points and 12 assists when he grabbed his 10th rebound with 2:06 to play. He got a standing ovation when he checked out moments after completing his 123rd career triple-double, the fifth-most in NBA history.
James broke the record held for the past 22 years by Karl Malone, who recorded his final triple-double for the Lakers when he was 40 years and 127 days old.
LeBron James, going up for a layup, became the oldest NBA player to get a triple double in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Mavericks on Feb. 12, 2026 in Los Angeles. Getty Images
“I guess I’m more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I’m at, at the later stage of my journey,” James said. “You definitely take it in a little bit more.”
James’ play has remained strong when healthy during his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, but the top scorer in NBA history hadn’t had a triple-double since Feb. 1, 2025, in the Lakers’ 128-112 win over the Knicks at the Garden.
That day is better remembered in Lakers history for the late-night breaking news of the seismic trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
Malone had held the record as the oldest player with a triple-double since he had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists on Nov. 28, 2003, during his final NBA season.
James recorded the next 15 triple-doubles on that list, and he repeatedly came close to setting the record over the past year, but didn’t quite reach it until the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break.
“I think what it represents is pretty cool — the fact that you can go out and have an impact in three facets of the game,” James said. “Rebounding. The assists, obviously, are what I love the most. Being able to get my guys involved, throughout my career I’ve always loved that more than anything. And being able to put the ball in the basket, that’s part of this game as well. So I think what it means, to be able to have your hand in three facets of the game, making an impact in those three, that’s pretty cool.”
With Dončić sidelined by a mild hamstring strain, James was aggressive and active from the opening tip when he returned from his own injury absence during the Lakers’ loss to San Antonio on Tuesday.
LeBron James is all smiles during the Lakers’ win over the Mavericks in Los Angeles. Getty Images
After dancing gleefully in pregame warmups and screaming his way down the tunnel when he took the court, James put up 14 points and six assists in the first quarter alone against Dallas. He factored into the Lakers’ first 23 points of the game.
James had 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds by halftime.
He topped double digits in assists during the third quarter, but he didn’t come out of the game during the fourth quarter before he grabbed the three rebounds necessary to get the triple-double.
He almost had it a few possessions earlier, but Austin Reaves beat him to a board — and got an earful from the rest of the Lakers.
“Everybody on the team yelled at me,” Reaves said. “I don’t catch myself looking at the stats during the game, so we went to the bench and everybody let me know about it. He didn’t, but everybody (else), and I looked at him and said, ‘Shoot, my fault.’”
LeBron James goes up for a layup during the Lakers’ win over the Mavericks in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
James was selected for his 22nd All-Star appearance this weekend at Intuit Dome even though he has missed 18 games this season due to injury.
That means James is ineligible for inclusion on his 22nd All-NBA team at the end of his unprecedented 23rd season.
James entered this game averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Lakers, who are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race despite playing only 10 games with James, Doncic and Reaves simultaneously healthy.
James missed the first 14 games of the season while dealing with sciatica.
James has 152 career triple-doubles when the playoffs are included.
CORTIS — BIGHIT Music’s newest breakout and the first K-pop act ever slated to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show at Kia Forum — attended their first-ever Los Angeles Lakers game on Thursday night at Crypto.com arena.
Before tipoff, the five-member group — Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho — toured the Lakers UCLA Health Training Center, walking the same halls as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Luka Dončić. They were gifted custom Lakers jerseys, stitched in purple and gold, and wore them proudly courtside when they were displayed on the videoboard at half-court in the third quarter.
K-Pop band Cortis is at the Lakers game tonight. They’ll be performing during the NBA All-Star weekend pic.twitter.com/pIy3fNj4xn
“You can really feel the energy,” James said, leaning into the roar. “It’s electric and really captivating. As fans, it’s incredibly inspiring for us. I think we’ll take a piece of that energy with us, and that inspiration and memory will stay with us for a long time.”
Keonho, who grew up watching games on a screen half a world away, called the moment surreal. “I’ve watched a lot of basketball games on screen… Now that we’re here in LA as ‘Friends of the NBA,’ being able to experience everything in person is really exciting.”
The NBA has long understood the global language of rhythm and sport, building bridges with artists like SUGA and expanding its “Friends of the NBA” initiative. But CORTIS represents something different — a generation that doesn’t wait for permission to cross markets. Their debut album, Color Outside the Lines, cracked the Billboard 200 at No. 15. Their single “GO!” landed on NBA 2K26’s official soundtrack. Their fanbase swelled past 19 million followers in just a couple months.
Earlier Thursday, they headlined NBA Crossover at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just blocks away. Friday night, they’ll make history at the Ruffles Celebrity Game halftime show — the first K-pop act to do so — stepping onto a stage traditionally reserved for American pop royalty.
For Martin, the Lakers’ legacy hit deeper than spectacle. “Seeing how the Lakers have continued their legacy for so many years, with new rookies, new players, new challenges, really inspired us,” he said. “Since we’re still rookies too, it made me think about how we should grow steadily and carry forward our own legacy one day.”
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CORTIS, just months removed from their August 2025 debut, are still in their infancy as a group, but one day they aspire to be like the 17-time NBA Champion Lakers.
When CORTIS was shown on the video board, fans immediately reacted. Many in attendance stood and cheered. It wasn’t just a celebrity sighting. It was a cultural crossover – basketball’s best welcoming pop’s next frontier. As the Lakers went on to defeat the Mavericks 124-104, five rookies from South Korea in custom jerseys stood, clapped, and quietly studied how to build a dynasty of their own.
Following their performance at NBA Crossover, CORTIS came across the street to MAVS/LAKERS! pic.twitter.com/avwBA0HtvE
Leg-sinner Alana King hasn’t given up hope of representing her country at this year’s T20 World Cup despite her “disappointing” omission from Australia’s T20 squad to face India.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks is fouled by Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers while attempting a shot in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images
At the intersection of futility and ethical tanking, there you’ll find the 2025-26 Dallas Mavericks (19-35).
The Mavericks dropped their ninth straight loss on Thursday, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) at Crypto.com Arena, 124-104. Dallas’ nine-game losing streak is now the franchise’s longest since the Mavs dropped 14 straight in the 1998-99 season. With the All-Star Break immediately following Thursday night’s game, the Mavericks have a real chance to lose every game for a full calendar month, as their schedule resumes on Feb. 20 at the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dallas last won a game on Jan. 22 in a 123-115 decision over the Golden State Warriors within the friendly confines of American Airlines Center.
Naji Marshall (foot) and Daniel Gafford (ankle) went down late in Thursday’s game and did not return, starting their All-Star Break a little early. Marshall and Max Christie led the Mavericks with 19 points apiece in the loss.
12-2: Dueling runs to open the game
The Lakers embarked on an early 12-2 run after P.J. Washington hit a floater in the lane to tie the game at 2-2. LeBron James scored eight of the Lakers’ 12 points during the run, including a 29-foot 3-pointer from the left wing that forced the Mavericks into their first timeout of the game, trailing 14-4 just 3:10 into the game.
Dallas responded with a 12-2 run of its own after the early timeout. After turning the ball over twice to fuel the Lakers’ run, Naji Marshall stopped the bleeding with a reverse layup through the teeth of the LA defense to make it 14-6. Two minutes later, he stole the ball from Jake LaRavia and found new teammate Khris Middleton trailing the break, wide open at the top of the key for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 16-16 with 6:50 left in the first.
The Mavs and the Lakers played a fast-paced last half of the first quarter despite both teams employing a zone defense in the halfcourt and without the best players on each roster on the floor. Los Angeles took a 36-31 lead after one, behind 14 points and six assists from James.
11-0, then 12-0: Dueling second-quarter runs
The Lakers were clinging to a one-point lead midway through the second when LaRavia and Marcus Smart sparked an 11-0 LA run, extending the lead to 55-43 with 5:15 remaining before the break. James found Smart for a cutting layup, resulting in James’ eighth assist of the game to start the run. LaRavia scored the next five before Smart dished a couple of assists of his own to keep the run going. Despite his effectiveness during the second-quarter run, Smart started the game shooting just 3-of-12 from the field and 0-of-7 from 3-point range.
LaRavia scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in the second after drawing the start in Luka Dončić’s absence (hamstring) and going scoreless in the first quarter.
Then, right on queue once more, the scrappy, short-handed Mavs responded with a 12-0 run to end the first half. Marshall was the architect once more. He scored seven points during the run and assisted on two more buckets to bring Dallas to within 64-63 at the break.
Marshall led the Mavs with 16 points, four dimes and two steals at halftime, while James turned back the hands of time on the other end of the floor to lead the Lakers with 18 points and eight assists in the first half. After turning the ball over five times in the first quarter, the Mavericks gave it away just twice in the second to help them claw their way back in it.
The Lakers’ scoreless stretch lasted 4:16 of game time, from the end of the second quarter through the first minute and change of the third.
19: Mavericks’ third-quarter points
Dallas couldn’t find a bucket after briefly taking the lead early in the third quarter, though. The Mavs shot just 5-of-13 from the field in the last 8:40 of the third and got trucked, 26-11, the rest of the way. The Lakers took a 96-82 lead into the fourth quarter, as the unsung four-headed monster of Luke Kennard, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes combined for 21 of LA’s 32 points in the third.
After scrapping hard to keep up with the short-handed Lakers, the Mavericks were all out of juice in the third. They once again turned the ball over five times in the frame.
55.8%: Lakers’ shooting from the field
The Mavericks just couldn’t get stops against a Lakers’ squad missing its most talented scorer. That was the bottom line on Thursday. The Mavs are driving the most ethical tank in the NBA right now. Even if they wanted to win, they just can’t. They are unable to field a winning basketball team. You almost know the result before the game tips off.
The Lakers shot 13-of-21 (61.3%) from the field in the fourth quarter to coast to the easy win and usher in the All-Star Break.
28/12/10: LeBron James’ first triple-double of 2025-26
James may have scored just 12 points in the final three quarters, but his 28 points, 12 assists and 10 boards gave him his first triple-double of the 2025-26 season, his 23rd in the NBA. Just remarkable. It was his 123rd career triple-double and the third of his career against the Mavericks. He stayed in the game a little longer than he otherwise might have and grabbed his 10th rebound of the game with 1:26 to play.
“It’s pretty cool to be able to still play at this level,” James said in his televised postgame interview.
Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) looks on during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks took on the Los Angeles Lakers in their last game before breaking for All-Star weekend. Both teams were missing star players (Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic), but it was the Lakers who served up the Mavs a 124-104 loss.
Let’s get to the grades!
Brandon Williams: B+
17 PTS / 5 REB / 7 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN
Williams’ game somehow felt quiet despite a well-balanced output and solid shooting (6-for-11). He put up a high rebound total, especially relative to his position and minutes played, but also dished a team-high in assists which is not always his calling card. As the game wound down, he hurt himself with a bloated turnover total to somewhat offset his passing (four).
Max Christie: B+
19 PTS / 1 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 30 MIN
This was the Max Christie we love to see. He dug into his offensive bag with a few drives, some mid-range shots and of course the three-ball. Best of all, he did all of it well (7-for-12 overall; 2-for-4 from deep). Very nice game, but he fouled a bit too often and had the worst plus/minus for nearly the entire game.
Naji Marshall: B+
19 PTS / 2 REB / 4 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN
Marshall has really taken his game to another level. Yes, the Mavericks are playing their worst ball of the season, but remember that Marshall was an undrafted player who has now proven to be one of the best and most consistent players for Dallas. He once again did a little bit of everything and was the primary offensive force for the Mavs throughout the night. Marshall left early to nurse a foot strain.
P.J. Washington: B-
18 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 34 MIN
Washington had a much better game tonight than he has in recent days. His numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page (what with some of the output coming in garbage time), but he chipped in everywhere and made his shots. Now he just needs to build on it and get back into the groove where he could have a big night more frequently.
Daniel Gafford: C–
2 PTS / 6 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 28 MIN
I continue to remind myself that Gafford is doing a lot as the only clear cut center on the roster and that he is arguably best suited in a tandem where he plays 24-minutes or so. That said, I can’t help but feel like he could be doing a lot more. His turnover number was too high (two), he again committed too many fouls (three) and it’s puzzling that he can’t drop at or near a double-double. Defensively he was the first Maverick to register a block in this one, but it came in the fourth quarter (and required a coach’s challenge). His departure from the game due to right ankle soreness came a bit too late into the fourth quarter to spare his grade much.
Klay Thompson: C
9 PTS / 3 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 23 MIN
Thompson knocked down his shots well enough, but had more turnovers than a bakery with a ridiculous total of four.
Marvin Bagley: B+
7 PTS / 4 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 20 MIN
I can’t quite figure why Bagley didn’t get more time relative to Gafford. Yes, the Lakers’ bigs have length, but to get only a fraction of the time Gafford logged seemed to be a miscue. He did get some burn in the latter part of the fourth quarter to semi-close out the game, but overall it left us wondering what kind of impact he may have had. In context of the overall game, he again did a nice job and looks to be somewhat rejuvenated since coming to Dallas.
Khris Middleton: C
8 PTS / 1 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 21 MIN
Middleton’s game was similar to Thompson’s, but instead of turning it over he missed shots (3-for-11). Still acclimating to a new setting, there wasn’t much in this one for Middleton.
Final thoughts
The Mavericks’ inability to play defense, especially after being an upper-echelon defensive team earlier in the season, is becoming alarming. During this season-long nine-game losing streak, Dallas has gotten trounced on many more than one occasion. The bench was cleared with a few minutes left. Combined with the late start time and absence of Cooper Flagg, this was a wildly forgettable game.
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