The Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena in the final game before the NBA All-Star break on February 12, 2026. This matchup comes at an important time for both teams, but the situation is very different on each side. The Lakers are fighting to stay strong in the playoff race, while the Mavericks are going through a difficult phase with multiple injuries and a long losing streak.
Los Angeles enter this game with home-court advantage and a healthier core, led by LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Dallas, on the other hand, are missing key players, including Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, which has weakened their offense significantly. With the Mavericks struggling on the road and the Lakers looking to bounce back before the break, this game is expected to tilt in favor of the home team. Still, Dallas will try to stay competitive using their young players and role performers.
Match Details
| Match | Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|
| Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET (8:30 AM IST, Feb 13) |
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Live Streaming | Prime Video / NBA League Pass |
Team Standings
| Team | Record | Conference Rank | Home/Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 32–21 | 5th West | 14–10 home |
| Mavericks | 19–34 | 12th West | 5–17 road |
The Lakers have a strong playoff position, while Dallas are struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers
- Lost last two games
- Overall solid season performance
- Average scoring: around 115.9 PPG
- Defense allowing 116.3 PPG
The recent losses came with a short-handed lineup, but key players are expected to return for this game.
Dallas Mavericks
- Five consecutive losses
- Struggling offensively on the road
- Defense among the weaker units in the league
- Season record shows inconsistency and rebuilding phase
Dallas have also failed to cover the spread in their last four games, showing poor recent form.
Also see: Highest Triple-Double Achievements in NBA History
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| All-time meetings | Mavericks lead 28–24 |
| This season | Lakers lead 2–0 |
| Last meeting | Lakers won 116–110 |
Los Angeles has a 2-0 record in the last two head-to-head matchups with Dallas.
Latest Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers
- Luka Dončić – Out (hamstring)
- Deandre Ayton – Questionable (knee)
- LeBron James – Available
- Austin Reaves – Available
- Marcus Smart – Available
Dallas Mavericks
- Cooper Flagg – Out (midfoot sprain)
- Kyrie Irving – Out (knee surgery)
- Dereck Lively II – Out
- Naji Marshall – Questionable
- Caleb Martin – Questionable
Dallas are missing multiple key players, especially their main scoring options, which puts pressure on role players.
Also Read: Nikola Jokic Creates NBA History, Climbs to No. 2 on All Time Triple-Double List
Key Players to Watch
Lakers
| Player | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | ~23–25 PPG, playmaking leader |
| Austin Reaves | 20+ PPG, key scoring option |
| Marcus Smart | Defense and assists |
| Deandre Ayton | Interior scoring & rebounds (if available) |
Mavericks
| Player | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| P.J. Washington | Main scoring role |
| Max Christie | Supporting offense |
| Brandon Williams | Playmaking support |
| Naji Marshall | Scoring boost if fit |
With Flagg and Irving out, Dallas rely heavily on role players.
Betting Odds & Market Trends
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Lakers -6.5 to -7 |
| Moneyline | Lakers around -270 to -300 |
| Mavericks | +225 to +240 |
| Over/Under | 234.5 – 236.5 |
Simulation models give the Lakers around a 70% chance to win. Some projections also suggest the total score may stay under 234.5.
Projected Player Performance
| Lakers | Stats Projection |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | 23 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST |
| Austin Reaves | 22 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST |
| Deandre Ayton | 13 PTS, 9 REB |
| Mavericks | Stats Projection |
|---|---|
| Naji Marshall | 20 PTS |
| Brandon Williams | 15 PTS |
| Max Christie | 15 PTS |
| P.J. Washington | 15 PTS |
Best Picks for Today
- Match Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
- Spread Pick: Lakers -6.5 / -7
- Total Pick: Under 234.5
- Player Prop: Austin Reaves Over 24.5 points
The Mavericks’ weak backcourt defense could allow Reaves to score heavily.
Match Prediction
The Lakers have the advantage in almost every area — better record, stronger home form, healthier core players, and recent dominance in head-to-head meetings. Dallas are struggling with injuries and a long losing streak, which makes it difficult for them to compete against a motivated Los Angeles team.
Predicted Score:
Lakers 119 – 113 Mavericks
This game looks set to go in favor of the Lakers. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves leading the team and the All-Star break approaching, Los Angeles will aim to finish the first half of the season with a strong win. Dallas are in rebuilding mode and missing key stars, so unless their role players produce a surprise performance, the Lakers should control the game at home.
