February 26, 2023 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Recap

The Lakers were able to come out with a win over the Mavericks with a final score of 111-108. Despite a slow start, the Lakers managed to come back in the second half and secure the victory after being down 27 points.

Anthony Davis had a dominant performance with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. LeBron James also had a solid showing with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Jarred Vanderbilt made the most of his start, contributing 15 points and 17 rebounds. Dennis Schroder rounded out the Lakers' top scorers with 16 points and eight assists.

On the other side, Luka Doncic had a strong game for the Mavericks, putting up 26 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Kyrie Irving added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Christian Wood was productive off the bench with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 17 points.

The Lakers shot 43.3% from the field, 17.6% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line. The Mavericks shot 42.3% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers' win keeps them in playoff contention if they can continue winning, but they will also need some luck on their side just to get a shot, as their record is currently 29-32.

Spero Dedes Q&A

First off, sorry for the lack of updates. I've been extremely busy lately with multiple things going on at the same time, and I am way behind. Anyway, check out the good chat with Lakers radio play-by-play commentator Spero Dedes at this link. I will try to get updated on here when I get a chance.

Radio DJs Say Magic Johnson Is Faking AIDS

Radio DJs Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of Minneapolis, Minnesota radio station KTLK said during their radio show that they thought that former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson is faking AIDS. When on the discussion of diseases, the conversation went like this:

Perry: “Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.”
Baker: “You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?”
Perry: “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.”
Baker: “Me too.”

Just a horrible accusation if you ask me. While Magic says that he doesn't want them fired, I believe that they need to be fired for what they said.

In other news, Dwyane Mitchell has been waived from the team.

Also, for those that didn't see the second preseason game Thursday night, here's the recap and box score.

Luke Walton Stalker Arrested

A female stalker, Stacy Beshear, was arrested for stalking Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers. She had been stalking Walton for a year, going so far as to park outside of his house and following him when he would leave. She also showed up at his basketball camp, sitting there watching for 4 days in a row. Walton had enough when Beshear stuck out her hand, making a gun gesture with her hand, and firing fake bullets. There is a November 6 court date.

In other Luke Walton news, he has posted his second NBA.com blog. He discusses topics including the restaurant that he owns, celebrities such as Larry Bird and the Grateful Dead coming to his house when he was a kid, an update on his ankle, and more. Check out Walton's second NBA.com blog here.

Also, for those that didn't see the first preseason game last night, here's the recap and box score.

Expectations High With Bynum Back

At the beginning of last season for the Los Angeles Lakers, fans never would have thought that the team would make it all the way to the NBA Finals. It looked like another early playoff exit for the Lakers. But Andrew Bynum exceeded everyone's expectations and was a major part of the great start of the season. Then Bynum went down with a knee injury in January to end his season.

The Lakers needed help at the center position with Bynum out, and general manager Mitch Kupchak pulled off one of the biggest steals in NBA history by trading Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, Marc Gasol, and draft picks for Pau Gasol on the first day of February. Gasol would help the Lakers win 22 of 27 games with him in the lineup. The Lakers made it to the NBA Finals, but would fall short 4-2.

So with Bynum returning this season to pair up with Gasol to form a frontcourt that will be scary most teams to go against, the Lakers are the odds on favorites to win the 2009 championship. Bynum is excited to be back, even saying that he wants to make the All Star team. If Bynum is determined enough to make the All Star team, you know he will be a force to be reckoned with this season. And barring major injury to any Laker rotation players, the Lakers will be the 2009 NBA champions.